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New York Knicks: Five reasons to love the Mario Hezonja signing

By Maxwell Ogden

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 15: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 15, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 15: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 15, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 21: Kevin Knox speaks with media after being drafted ninth overall by the New York Knicks during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY – JUNE 21: Kevin Knox speaks with media after being drafted ninth overall by the New York Knicks during the 2018 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center on June 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images) /

4. Embracing Positionless Basketball

The New York Knicks selected former Kentucky Wildcats forward Kevin Knox with the No. 9 overall selection in the 2018 NBA Draft. Most have vocalized support of the move, albeit while questioning why the Knicks would pass on Michael Porter Jr.

If the goal is to put Knox in the best possible position to succeed, then signing a player like Mario Hezonja should help accomplish that very goal.

Knox has been pegged as a small forward, but he may actually prove to be more effective as a small-ball 4. He certainly has the physical gifts to thrive in that role, as he stands at 6’9″ with a near 7’0″ wingspan and a 9’0″ standing reach.

Whether Knox proves to be more of a 4 or a 3, it stands to reason that Hezonja could step in as his frontcourt complement—and not just his backup.

Kristaps Porzingis is more comfortable at power forward, but in the modern NBA, he may help the Knicks more at center. If he agrees to the position change, then Hezonja, who played 58 percent of his minutes at the 4 in 2017-18, could play alongside Knox instead of behind him.

Knox has the tools to be an All-Star, but the Knicks must know the limits to his versatility—and Hezonja can help New York establish the boundaries of his flexibility.

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