NBA Free Agency: Could Mario Hezonja be a bargain pickup for the Bucks?
By Adam McGee
Weaknesses
Hezonja’s biggest weakness is undoubtedly his decision-making. He’s an incredibly capable player with a well-rounded offensive skill-set, yet he can be prone to bouts of irrational confidence that will leave fans scratching their heads.
Teammate Shelvin Mack explained the challenges facing Hezonja in that department in a quote relayed by Orlando Magic Daily:
"“He’s a very confident player,” Shelvin Mack said. “He thinks he is hot as soon as he steps on the court, which everyone should do. But he is learning there is a time and a place for trying to figure out how to get the right shot. He is able to do that getting out in transition and get the offensive rebound rather than trying to beat your guy one on one all the time.”"
Hezonja has worked hard on improving his awareness in that regard, and received praise from Frank Vogel for doing so last season, but can still be guilty of truly astounding misjudgements.
The 23-year-old hunts highlights because he’s capable of producing them, yet when that goes wrong, it goes horribly wrong. On the defensive end that leads to Hezonja overplaying or drifting out of position in search of steals.
Hezonja has the lateral quickness to be at least an average defender but, much like on offense, the mental aspect of his defense needs work if he’s to ever become close to reliable.