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New York Knicks: Mario Hezonja pushes back at free agency talk

By Rob Wolkenbrod

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - NOVEMBER 14: Mario Hezonja #8 of the New York Knicks passes the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 14, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - NOVEMBER 14: Mario Hezonja #8 of the New York Knicks passes the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 14, 2018 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The New York Knicks have rostered potential free agents for July throughout the 2018-19 season. One of them, Mario Hezonja, clapped back against the talk of his impending status.

Mario Hezonja was the New York Knicks’ most expensive free-agent signing last offseason, at $6.5 million for one year. No pact went beyond this, with 2019 free agency and cap space ahead for a front office that worked throughout the 2018-19 campaign to create and preserve it.

This was not the only player on a one-year deal or who entered the year on an expiring deal, which created a juggling act for head coach David Fizdale. It impacted players like Enes Kanter and Trey Burke when they were around. Luke Kornet and Noah Vonleh are among the others affected.

Players looking for their next contract may focus on open market value than team-first play, which Fizdale addressed, per Peter Botte of the New York Post.

However, according to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Hezonja clapped back at the notion of free agency impacting his or others’ play this season, and said he’s “trying to help these guys as well.”

"“I don’t give a s–t that I’m a free agent,’’ Hezonja told The Post. “I’m trying to help these guys as well. I don’t give a s–t about myself. I’ll be fine. Trust me. I’ll be fine. With my basketball skill, talent and abilities, I’ll always be fine. I just want to help these guys with stuff I’ve been through in my career in both Europe and here."

Hezonja added, he’s aware it’s a “sensitive situation,” and if he notices something in practice, he tries to “connect” with the player.

The 2018-19 season provided opportunities for Hezonja to step up beyond the idea of improving his value for 2019 free agency. He opened the year in the rotation and stuck in it for most of this season’s first half.

Eventually, a starting opportunity arrived around Thanksgiving, and the Croatian forward garnered 11 starts for just 5.4 points per game on 33.3 percent shooting. Kevin Knox assumed his spot in the lineup in December and never looked back.

Since then, Hezonja has missed 17 games due to coach’s decision or injury, leaving his total games played at 48. With just 15 matchups left before season’s end, either way, he will fall below his previous career low of 65 games in 2016-17.

At 7.6 points on 39.7 percent shooting, 27.7 percent on three-pointers and questionable defense, Hezonja’s NBA future beyond this season is unknown. He’ll have to test free agency and eye a likely smaller contract than what general manager Scott Perry offered. If no opportunities arrive, the 23-year-old played in the EuroLeague from 2012-15. Would he return?

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Hezonja and the New York Knicks may not have worked out as planned, but it was a short-term pact for both sides which they can move on from after April 10.