New York Knicks: Predicting free agents that will re-sign, but way too early

Mario Hezonja

The headline name of the offseason, the New York Knicks signed Mario Hezonja to a one-year, $6.5 million contract. It had “prove-it” written all over after the Orlando Magic declined to pick up the former lottery pick’s fourth year of his rookie-scale deal.

Hezonja shot just 41.8 percent in Orlando for 6.9 points, never living up to expectations of a No. 5 overall pick. The talent was always there, he just never honed it.

Unfortunately, this has remained the case on the New York Knicks. He averages 7.6 points on just 37.7 percent shooting and 28.2 percent on three-pointers.

Hezonja’s defense has taken a step forward, resulting in 11 starts. It’s a positive on a team that’s weak at the opposite side of the court, but minimal offensive output limits his impact.

Most recently, Hezonja played a season-low four minutes, shooting 0-for-3 from the field. Kevin Knox replaced him and had 26 points and 15 rebounds.

It’s a bad sign for Hezonja’s standing, as the Knicks search for the pieces that fit past this season. Not only that, but his free-agent positioning with other organizations, especially with potential hopes of a multi-year deal or a salary that matches or eclipses $6.5 million.

Right now, Hezonja hasn’t played his way into New York’s future. With the team’s draft picks of the past two years needing playing time, along with most of the roster simply exceeding his on-court performance, it’s difficult to think the Croatian forward returns for another season.

Prediction: Hezonja leaves via free agency