New York Knicks: 3 reasons Mario Hezonja was a good pickup

2. Versatility

In today’s NBA, versatility is king. Everyone is playing small-ball lineups with multiple ball-handlers and floor-spacers. Traditional lineups are going by the wayside more and more each season, and the Knicks are beginning to buy in.

Hezonja fits the bill as a versatile forward. Standing 6’8” with a 6’10” wingspan, Hezonja should be able to rotate between both forward spots seamlessly. His versatility will also be key alongside 2018 first round pick, Kevin Knox. Both players should be able to handle both forward spots and play well off each other.

David Fizdale has talked up playing position-less basketball, and Hezonja fits that mold. He has experience playing shooting guard in addition to both forward spots thus far in his career. That should make him a movable piece in Fizdale’s lineups and enable him to play alongside a number of different players.

Hezonja has a good combination of athleticism and size. He is a confident player that just needs a more consistent chance to showcase his skills. Given his skill-set, he should find that in New York. With a lack of other options, Hezjona will be put into many different roles to see which ones he can handle best to maximize his potential.