Former NBA bust Mario Hezonja gets another shot after six years playing hoops overseas
Former NBA lottery picks rarely make it back after six years overseas. Mario Hezonja just did.The Cleveland Cavaliers signed the 31-year-old Croatian to a one-year, $2.8 million veteran minimum deal, bringing him back to the NBA for the first time since 2020.Back in 2015, Super Mario was the fifth overall pick by the Orlando Magic.
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Former NBA lottery picks rarely make it back after six years overseas. Mario Hezonja just did.The Cleveland Cavaliers signed the 31-year-old Croatian to a one-year, $2.8 million veteran minimum deal, bringing him back to the NBA for the first time since 2020.Back in 2015, Super Mario was the fifth overall pick by the Orlando Magic. He entered the league with sky-high expectations, but the production never followed.DONOVAN MITCHELL SIGNS MASSIVE $273M CAVALIERS EXTENSION AS LEBRON JAMES RETURN SPECULATION GROWSIn five NBA seasons with Orlando, New York and Portland, Hezonja averaged 6.9 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.3 assists (330 games) before the league moved on.Rather than fade into another draft bust, Hezonja headed to Europe and rebuilt his career.Suiting up for Real Madrid, he developed into one of Europe's top wings. He won a EuroLeague title, earned Liga Endesa MVP honors last season and established himself among Europe's elite.NEW YORK KNICKS SWEEP CAVALIERS TO REACH FIRST NBA FINALS SINCE 1999 AFTER DOMINANT GAME 4 BLOWOUTNow he gets another shot.For the Cavaliers, it's a low-risk move with interesting upside.Cleveland gets a 6-foot-8 wing who has spent the past six years competing at the highest level outside the NBA.
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- What's the story?
- Former NBA lottery picks rarely make it back after six years overseas. Mario Hezonja just did.The Cleveland Cavaliers signed the 31-year-old Croatian to a one-year, $2.8 million veteran minimum deal, bringing him back to the NBA for the first time since 2020.Back in 2015, Super Mario was the fifth overall pick by the Orlando Magic.
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- 1 outlet, average source rating 6.0/10.
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Former NBA bust Mario Hezonja gets another shot after six years playing hoops overseas
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