New York Daily News

Hezonja on way to Garden

- BY STEFAN BONDY

The Knicks agreed to sign young shooter Mario Hezonja on a one-year, $6.5 million deal, adding another former high draft-pick project into the fold.

Hezonja was picked fifth overall by the Magic in 2015, one spot below Kristaps Porzingis, but struggled to get on the court and became a free agent after his contract option wasn’t picked up.

The 23-year-old Croatian announced the news on Twitter, along with an old picture of himself in a Knicks sweatshirt.

“Start spreading the news…. want to be a part of it, New York, New York! Very excited to be joining the Knicks and play for coach Fizdale! A dream come true!! #betterhair­daysareahe­ad,” Hezonja wrote.

Not coincident­ally, Knicks GM Scott Perry was the assistant GM in Orlando when the team picked Hezonja. The Knicks now have the fourth pick in the 2015 draft (Porzingis), the fifth pick (Hezonja) and the seventh pick (Emmanuel Mudiay).

They’re also trying to resurrect the career of Trey Burke, the ninth pick in 2013.

Hezonja played sparingly his first two seasons with the Magic, the first under tough-nose coach Scott Skiles. Those two were not a good fit.

It wasn’t until the second half of last season — Hezonja’s third in the NBA — that he enjoyed a bit of a breakthrou­gh, finishing the campaign with career high averages in points (9.6), rebounds (3.7) and field goal percentage (44%).

He also shot 34 percent from beyond the arc last season.

At 6-foot-8, Hezonja plays the same position as Knicks rookie Kevin Knox and veteran Lance Thomas.

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