New York Knicks: 3 reasons Mario Hezonja was a good pickup
3. Low risk, high reward
When you’re in the position the Knicks are in, you look to add talent in any way possible. Taking a flier on a player of Hezonja’s caliber is a worthwhile investment.
There’s a reason he was selected No. 5 overall. While that potential wasn’t on display all the time in Orlando, New York is hoping that David Fizdale can help bring it out of him.
Given the contract that he agreed to, Hezonja should be motivated to produce. He will re-enter free agency next offseason with an opportunity to land a long-term deal if he plays well in New York. It’s a good deal for both sides, as the Knicks could add another young player to their core if Hezonja plays well, and he should be a mainstay in the rotation, possibly even in the starting lineup.
It’s also encouraging that Hezonja picked New York. The Knicks weren’t the only team coveting him in free agency, as the Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies all looked to sign him as well.
The Knicks and Hezonja close out a tough recruitment, where several teams -- including Portland, Sacramento and Memphis -- competed for a fifth overall pick from the 2015 NBA Draft. Hezonja was drawn to coach David Fizdale, after going thru several coaching changes in Orlando.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 2, 2018
Hopefully, things go according to plan. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. If he doesn’t pan out, it was a low-risk signing for the Knicks. Since it was a one-year deal, they can cut ties with Hezonja at the end of the season if they so choose.
This is a worthwhile risk for the Knicks to take on a one-year, “prove it” deal.