Free Agent Recap: 6 Potential Fits for the New Orleans Pelicans
34. Forward. Portland Trail Blazers. player. 44. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Mario Hezonja
Strengths: Potentially elite shooting at a bargain
Weaknesses: Shooting consistency, rebounding, rim protection
Key Statistics: 32.1 percent career 3-point shooter
How he fits with the Pelicans:
When Lonzo Ball came to the New Orleans Pelicans he had one of the ugliest shots in the league.
It was awkward, seemed to come from the wrong side and had a hitch in it like a broken down horse. Enter Fred Vinson.
The Pelicans’ shooting coach took Ball under his wing and the results have been nothing short of miraculous. Ball’s shot went from janky to smooth and he is now a 38.3 percent 3-point shooter, up from 32.9 percent the year before.
Vinson was able to get similar results from Ingram, who raised his 3-point percentage to 38.7, up from 33 percent in the previous season.
Mario Hezonja is another player who could use a visit to the shot doctor.
Drafted number five overall in 2015, Hezonja entered the league as one of the best offensive prospects. At 6-foot-8, Hezonja has the ideal size for a modern, 3-point shooting wing.
Unlike Ball, his shot was already honed and Hezonja was expected to come into the NBA as one of the top shooters in the draft.
The problem is that when Hezonja got to the NBA he forgot how to shoot.
In his short career, Hezonja has shot just 32.1 percent from 3-point range, which was supposed to be his primary skill in the NBA.
Hezonja showed promise in his first season, shooting 34.9 percent from long-range, but it has gotten worse nearly every year, including two seasons of shooting below 30 percent from behind the arc.
It seems like Hezonja’s career might be a bust. Enter Fred Vinson.
At only 25 years old, Hezonja has plenty of time to figure it out and could eventually turn things around in the right situation.
The New Orleans Pelicans have Zion Williamson, Ingram, Jrue Holiday and Ball, guys who will draw double teams and are gifted passers.
If Hezonja can get his shot on track, he would undoubtedly benefit from being on a team with so many offensive weapons.
He’s a potential “low risk, high reward” player for the New Orleans Pelicans, as he would likely fit into their budget, even after they max Ingram.
The Pelicans probably won’t have much cap space, so they will need to find a few end of the bench guys who might contribute.
Hezonja could be the floor spreading, high volume 3-point shooter they are looking for off their bench. He will likely be a cheap option, but one that could pay off for the New Orleans Pelicans.