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See the full story · 1 sourcesWhy a former top-five pick's NBA comeback could make the Cavaliers deeper and more dangerous this season.
The Cleveland Cavaliers’ offseason is back in business after LeBron James spurned them for the Philadelphia 76ers. With the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar joining a potential playoff opponent, the Cavs signed 2015 No. 5 pick Mario Hezonja to a one-year, $2.8 million deal on Sunday.
According to NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor, Hezonja could be a key addition to a team looking to bounce back from a humiliating sweep against the New York Knicks in the 2026 Eastern Conference finals.
Cavaliers Could Land Major Boost From Former Top-5 Pick’s NBA Return
After so much hype, Hezonja struggled to make an impact in the NBA, averaging 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game in five seasons.
The Croatian’s last stint in the NBA was during the 2019-20 season with the Portland Trail Blazers. He left for Panathinaikos in the Greek Basketball League to revive his career. Hezonja also played for UNICS Kazan in Russia before joining Real Madrid. Over the last four years, he has become a basketball star in the Spanish capital.
Last season, Hezonja was named the Spanish Liga MVP after averaging 17.5 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 1.9 apg, and 1.0 spg. The Cavaliers, who have reportedly been keeping tabs on him, decided to bring him back to the NBA.
Once news broke that Hezonja signed with the Cavs, O’Connor wrote how the versatile forward can make his new team better.
“Mario Hezonja shot 38.4% on catch-and-shoot 3s in his 4 years with Real Madrid. It’s a big leap from early in his career. He made just 31.9% of total 3s in the NBA. If his improvement translates, he can be an additive piece for the Cavaliers,” O’Connor tweeted .
Over his last two seasons at Real Madrid, Hezonja shot 38.2% from 3-point distance in Liga ACB games. However, his clip in EuroLeague competition dropped to 30.8%.
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This past season, NBA teams averaged 36.0% from behind the arc, per Basketball Reference. The 6-foot-8 forward already has the size, versatility, and experience to contribute on both ends. If he consistently stays within that range, he should give the Cavaliers solid off-the-bench minutes.
Cleveland lost the 6-foot-9 Dean Wade, a 37.1% 3-point shooter in his last three seasons with the Cavs, to the 76ers. Hezonja could take some of those minutes if he can carry over his outside shooting efficiency back to the NBA.
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