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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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PHILADELPHIA,PA – FEBRUARY 24 : Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against Philadelphia 76ers during game at the Wells Fargo Center on February 24, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images
PHILADELPHIA,PA – FEBRUARY 24 : Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against Philadelphia 76ers during game at the Wells Fargo Center on February 24, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images /

1. The Implications Of A One-Year Deal

When the New York Knicks were first linked to Mario Hezonja, one couldn’t help but wonder if his strong showing in 2017-18 was an example of contract-year syndrome. For those unfamiliar with the phenomenon, players often play above their consistent capabilities to earn a new deal in free agency—and never reach that level again.

By signing Hezonja to a one-year deal worth $6.5 million, however, the Knicks have put him in a position where he must again earn his keep.

Had the Knicks signed Hezonja to a multi-year contract, complacency could’ve been a realistic outcome. The 23-year-old showed how committed he is to basketball in 2017-18, but there was a rational fear that it was a response to the Orlando Magic declining his fourth-year player option.

In 2018-19, Hezonja will be tasked with playing for his career without the built-in motivation of attempting to get back at the organization that spited him.

If Hezonja plays well in 2018-19, the Knicks will have every reason to re-sign him during the summer of 2019. If he fails to build upon his success from 2017-18, however, there will be no financial commitment to him beyond this season—a system of accountability.

In the event that Hezonja improves for a second consecutive season, then the Knicks could help instill a consistent mentality.

Must Read: The 15 greatest draft picks in New York Knicks history

There are areas in which Mario Hezonja must improve, but the New York Knicks have handed out the prototypical low-risk, high-reward contract.

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