Mario Hezonja Set to Stay in NBA as Cleveland Contract Nears Guarantee
Despite strong interest from Hapoel Tel Aviv, Croatian star Mario Hezonja is set to stay in the NBA after securing a regular rotation spot with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Hapoel Tel Aviv dreamed of signing Mario Hezonja, but the Croatian star is set to remain in the NBA after a strong start with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Hezonja paid his own buyout to return to the NBA after a previous stint in the league did not go as planned. Cleveland signed him to a non-guaranteed minimum contract worth 2.8 million dollars, but the forward quickly impressed the coaching staff and earned a significant role in the rotation. Averaging nearly 19 minutes, 7.8 points, and 5.4 rebounds per game, his contract is expected to become fully guaranteed in the coming days, effectively ending any talk of a return to the EuroLeague.
In an interview with Kooss Magazine, Hezonja explained how his perspective on the gap between European basketball and the NBA has shifted. "Everything is easier here. In Europe, games are jammed together, and organizationally it is a completely different level," he noted.
Reflecting on his new role after being a primary offensive leader at Real Madrid, Hezonja emphasized his adaptability. "It was easy because I know what I can contribute: rebounds, blocks, passing. I focus on these duties instead of wondering why I am not handling the ball," he said.
