Mario eyes super smash debut with new bro
Knicks newcomer Mario Hezonja has a new French protégé.
As Hezonja attempts to prove he belongs with the franchise long term, the 23year-old Croatian forward has become close with Frank Ntilikina, and will attempt to show the 20year-old Ntilikina how to avoid the pitfalls of the NBA.
Hezonja’s career has been rocky since he was drafted No. 5 overall in 2015 by Orlando, where current Knicks general manager Scott Perry helped make the choice. Perry still thought enough of Hezonja’s future to sign him as a free agent in July on a one-year deal.
The two Europeans have bonded, starting in July when Hezonja visited Las Vegas, where Ntilikina was playing for the Knicks’ summer-league entry. They bet on the World Cup final between Croatia and France.
“He’s probably the closest to me since Day 1,’’ Hezonja said Monday at Knicks media day. “We connected right away. Outstanding guy. I’m happy to take him under my wing, though I’m not that older than he is. I’m here to help him. Not let anything distract him and put him down because I know how bottom feels.”
Indeed, new Magic management felt so lukewarm about Hezonja and his defense, the team didn’t exercise his fourth-year option last October, making him an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Hezonja is betting on himself that he can turn this one-year tryout into a long-term deal with the Knicks, turning down multi-year offers from Portland and other playoff teams. Hezonja was content with the $5.9 million package for a portion of the Knicks’ mid-level exception.
If Hezonja lives up to his draft slot and the Knicks don’t land one of their top free-agent choices, Hezonja could be re-signed — president Steve Mills said so the other day. The Knicks can go over the salary cap to keep Hezonja as long as the $9 million cap hold stays on the books. Of course, if Kyrie Irving wants in, the Knicks likely would have to remove the cap hold and Hezonja would be gone.
“When I was told David [Fizdale] was coming to see me [July 1], I was done seeing everyone else,’’ said Hezonja, whose career shooting percentage is just 41.8 percent. “This is where I want to be and want to play. The financial, contractual thing is only one year, [but] that’s our goal is to be here a long time. It’s all on me now.”
Hezonja isn’t short on bravado. Asked where his sweet spot is on the floor, Hezonja cracked, “Everywhere. Super Mario.’’
With Kristaps Porzingis out indefinitely, the Knicks have eyed the 6-foot-8 shotmaker as a possible starting power forward. During summer workouts with the assistant coaches, Hezonja said an emphasis was placed on making him more into “point forward facilitating for other guys.’’