Cleveland Cavaliers coach praises Mario Hezonja's NBA return

Croatian forward Mario Hezonja is returning to the NBA after a successful stint in Europe, having signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers following his departure from Real Madrid.

Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Kenny Atkinson expressed significant enthusiasm regarding Hezonja's arrival, noting that the 31-year-old is entering the right phase of his career. Atkinson highlighted Hezonja's physical transformation, describing him as a “tank” weighing approximately 115 kilograms. The coach compared his build to an American football “tight end,” suggesting his increased strength and size will allow him to handle physical matchups and defensive shifts in the modern NBA.

Hezonja, who previously played for the Orlando Magic, New York Knicks, and Portland Trail Blazers between 2015 and 2020, becomes a key candidate for the Cavaliers' rotation. Atkinson believes Hezonja's combination of talent, speed, and newfound strength will allow him to surprise many observers as he reintegrates into the league.