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

By Maxwell Ogden

The Orlando Magic's Mario Hezonja (8) shoots against the Charlotte Magic's Dwight Howard at the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla., on Friday, April 6, 2018. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic's Mario Hezonja (8) shoots against the Charlotte Magic's Dwight Howard at the Amway Center in Orlando, Fla., on Friday, April 6, 2018. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images) /
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BOISE, ID – MARCH 17: Kevin Knox #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts during the first half against the Buffalo Bulls in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
BOISE, ID – MARCH 17: Kevin Knox #5 of the Kentucky Wildcats reacts during the first half against the Buffalo Bulls in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Taco Bell Arena on March 17, 2018 in Boise, Idaho. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

3. Creating Competition

The New York Knicks have found the potential answer at the small forward position in former Kentucky Wildcats hybrid Kevin Knox. Knox possesses elite physical measurements for a 3 and the size, length, athleticism, and frame to defend 4s.

If the New York Knicks are looking for a way to push Knox as soon as his rookie season, however, then bringing in Mario Hezonja should at least be a consideration.

Head coach David Fizdale has made it clear that Knox can start in 2018-19, but only if he earns it. It’s a wise approach, as it creates a system of accountability and knowledge amongst the players that everyone will have a fair shot at playing time.

In order to justify the need for Knox to work for the starting role, however, the Knicks must introduce a form of realistic competition at the 3-spot.

Hezonja isn’t an established commodity, but he’d certainly create competition at small forward. He and Knox could play together, but the starting role could be fought for by two young and athletic wings who have untapped potential.

Knox should win this competition, and Hezonja should play minutes next to him in a positionless system, but the mere need to earn the spot would help greatly.