New York Knicks: Five reasons to sign Mario Hezonja in free agency

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ORLANDO, FL – APRIL 6: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Charlotte Hornets on April 6, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

4. The Physical Tools

The New York Knicks have made it a point to become longer and more athletic along the wings. Kevin Knox certainly helps in that regard at 6’9″ with a near 7’0″ wingspan and a 9’0″ standing reach—tools he can utilize to his advantage on both ends of the floor.

If the Knicks are looking for low-cost options to further facilitate that vision, then Mario Hezonja could provide value in both regards.

Hezonja stands at 6’8″ and 218 pounds with a more than adequate 6’10” wingspan. He’s also one of the better athletes in the NBA as far as his combination of size, speed, agility, and explosive leaping ability are concerned.

That much is proven by the fact that Hezonja routinely managed to rise above the rim and throw down impressive, if not powerful, dunks in traffic.

It’s fair to question what Hezonja can do beyond flashing his athleticism, but having an athletic big body would help David Fizdale’s positionless strategy. Hezonja and Knox could share the floor, with the latter defending the 4-spot and the former even thriving as a stretch 4 offensively.

As an individual athlete who fits the team goal of building a positionless system, Hezonja is a former top-10 pick who at least deserves consideration.