Pelica Debrief
Fansided

Trade Options for New Orleans Pelicans Offseason: Part One

By Preston Ellis

Mar 3, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) walks with forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) as guard Jrue Holiday (11) looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Smoothie King Center. The Spurs defeated the Pelicans 101-98 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 3, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) walks with forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) as guard Jrue Holiday (11) looks on during the fourth quarter of a game against the San Antonio Spurs at the Smoothie King Center. The Spurs defeated the Pelicans 101-98 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Oct 12, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (8) against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (8) against the San Antonio Spurs during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Mario Hezonja

A potential low risk, high reward type proposition.

Mario Hezonja is 22 years of age, as of February 25th. He was mutilated and left for dead by Scott Skils and Frank Vogel. Now, with confidence utterly destroyed, his overall career could be in jeopardy.

In his rookie season, he averaged a promising 44% from the floor and 35% from three. Look, there’s no sense in discussing his production this season. It has been dreadful.  However, you can find comfort in a 107 offensive rating his rookie season, after being selected fifth overall in the 2015 draft.

More from Pelican Debrief

Matt Kamalsky of Draft Express wrote before the draft:

“Standing 6’8 with a decent wingspan and a solid frame that could continue to fill out over time, Hezonja has outstanding size for a shooting guard. He’s also an effortless athlete who runs the floor exceptionally well, has nice quickness, and can finish plays above the rim, ranking among the most impressive physical specimens we’ve seen among European prospects in recent memory.

Besides his physical attributes, the most appealing part of Hezonja’s game is his offensive skill-set, which has helped him earn minutes, albeit inconsistently, for one of Europe’s premier teams. Combining supreme confidence with tremendous fluidity and coordination, Hezonja’s offensive game starts with his jump shooting ability both when spotting up and running off of screens within set plays. He shoots the ball with an effortless, high release point that will translate nicely to the NBA three-point line in time.”

Hezonja’s confidence has been shaken, but it is not too late for him to realize his potential. However, he first needs a change of scenery.

Hezonja is signed through 2019, at $4.1 million in 2018, with a team option of $5.2 in 2019. He could be acquired with a draft selection and Quincy Pondexter’s matching salary.

Low risk, high reward.

Home/Pelicans News