SHOOTING STAR
They are the words any player loves to hear: shoot more.
New Knicks wing Mario Hezonja officially has received that directive from coach David Fizdale.
“I wish he’d be a little more greedy about letting the 3-ball go, which I’m going to be hammering on him,” Fizdale said after practice Sunday. “When he’s open, he’s a big guard, let that thing fly.”
Monday will be Hezonja’s first chance to follow through on his coach’s plea when he makes his Knicks debut as they open their preseason schedule at Washington.
Hezonja said he understands the message from Fizdale, but he’s also trying to strike a balance between finding his own shot and helping out his new teammates.
“I’m not hesitant, I’m just trying to be more of a playmaker for the group, because I know I can get my shot anytime I want,” Hezonja said. “And I’m new here, so I want to get used to other guys, which I’m pretty used to right now. I just want to find them more, get them more involved, get them more shots, get them to feel more comfortable in the game. I know my stuff is going to come regardless.”
Outside of the draft, Hezonja was the Knicks’ most notable acquisition during a mostly quiet offseason. Once Enes Kanter decided not to opt out of the final year of his contract, the Knicks were left without much cap space to work with and signed Hezonja to a one-year, $6.5 million contract.
In three years with the Magic, who drafted him No. 5 overall in 2015, Hezonja averaged 6.9 points per game while shooting 33.2 percent from beyond the arc. He only had 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game, but believes he can become more of an allaround player with the Knicks.
“If I can make 10-15 assists and score zero, I’m happy. If we win, I’m happy,” said Hezonja, who looked solid during Saturday’s intrasquad scrimmage at the Garden. “I know I have to take some scoring slack, I understand that, I will definitely do that, but still I want to grow my game. Play more with the pass, be a playmaker and just bring the group to another level. Help everybody else get up, not only be selfish and only think about my- self. There’s a lot of guys here who can play. I want to help them.”
Though Fizdale wants Hezonja to be more active from downtown, he knows that’s not the only thing he brings to the court.
“His competitive spirit is second to none,” Fizdale said. “He is a scrappy dude. I love his versatility, his size. He can guard multiple people. … I love his ability to play-make from that position as well. He brings a lot to our team.”
Hezonja had a largely disappointing tenure in Orlando, but seemed to find his groove towards the end of last season. He only started 11 games across his first two seasons before finally earning a more consistent starting role midway through last year, and with his increased minutes came increased production.
While Fizdale has left every spot in the starting five up for grabs, Hezonja looks to have a real chance to crack the lineup — especially if he can heed his coach’s wish for more shots.
“Starting and playing a major role in New York means something,” Hezonja said. “But everything is on Fiz. He’s an outstanding, excellent coach. I know he’s going to make the right decision, what is best for our group. I just come here, make sure I do my best to outwork everybody.”