Mario Hezonja is one of the most intriguing young men in this year’s NBA Draft, and his father wants to make sure that any NBA team that drafts his son is also aware of that notion. From the videos that I have viewed on Hezonja, one thing is clear, this young man does not lack confidence one bit. Hezonja isn’t the most highly touted European prospect in this year’s draft, that would be seven-foot Latvian Kristaps Porzingis but Hezonja, a 20-year-old from Croatia, is likely the draft’s cockiest prospect.
“Super” Mario’s stock has been rising as the weeks have gone on and in an interview with David Pick of Bleacher Report Ronald Hezonja was open-minded about his son’s future;
“We would like a situation where Mario would get 25 minutes a game. What number he is picked doesn’t matter; our focus is where he can play and win,”
Ronald said.
But if you read between the lines, it’s pretty clear the Hezonja family is certainly wishing to avoid the Mile High City. When asked to speak on four potential landing spots, Ronald praised each destination except the Denver Nuggets:
New York Knicks, No. 4: “New York would be fantastic under Phil Jackson, who is accomplished, and Derek Fisher, because he played with Kobe Bryant and knows what is required to win.”
Orlando Magic, No. 5: “Orlando are serious and could be a good landing spot with Scott Skiles as coach and Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton as rising stars.”
Denver Nuggets, No. 7: “Denver have been chasing Mario for the past two seasons and can take him as a wing. But we’re looking for the right environment.”
Detroit Pistons, No. 8: “Detroit would be great because Stan Van Gundy is a great coach.”
It’s unclear why Ronald slighted the Nuggets, but if he wants his son to get an average of 25 minutes a night, from all of the teams he mentioned Denver or Detroit would be the ideal realistic landing spot. As a swingman, Mario projects as an ideal fit for the Pistons or Nuggets. The truth is that whichever team ends up with Mario can expect plenty of skill and confidence as he surely is one of the most attention-grabbing players on the international circuit at the moment.
Hezonja plays professionally for the basketball branch of FC Barcelona, best known as the soccer powerhouse that employs Lionel Messi. In February, this prompted a reporter’s seemingly innocuous question of whether or not Hezonja has gone to see the soccer demigod play in person.
His response was a classic: “Messi should come to see me.” You have got to love a response like that from a young emerging player who hasn’t even played a day in the NBA yet.
https://youtu.be/583O3Pc1h5c
