As NBA teams prepare for the offseason and look to find value players who can contribute right away, the EuroLeague is becoming a pipeline for NBA talent. Guerschon Yabusele returned to the NBA this season after standout EuroLeague and Olympic performances, and a former New York Knicks player is in a similar postion.
After a disappointing five-year NBA stint, including the 2018-19 season with the Knicks, Mario Hezonja went back to Europe and found success as one of the top players. At only 30 years old, he might be ready to come back to the NBA.
Mario Hezonja
Apr 5, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; New York Knicks forward Mario Hezonja (8) handles the ball while Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) defends during the third quarter at Toyota Center.
© Erik Williams-Imagn Images
"According to sources, the 30-year-old Croatian forward is evaluating his market options, with renewed interest coming from NBA teams," reported BasketNews' Donatas Urbonas. "Hezonja's five-year contract with Madrid includes an NBA out clause—something several teams across the Atlantic are monitoring closely. BasketNews sources suggest the buyout figure is close to the NBA standard for international transfers: $850,000."
Hezonja averaged 14.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.6 assists for Real Madrid during EuroLeague play last season and was one of the best players in the European postseason. With the Knicks, he posted 8.8 points and 4.1 rebounds.
This summer, the Knicks clearly need to add depth, but don't have the money to do it by adding an established NBA player. Hezonja, if he does come back stateside, might want to play for the Knicks for the second time.
In his final NBA season with the Portland Trail Blazers, he played with Knicks legend Carmelo Anthony.
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