NY Knicks: Grading every Steve Mills transaction, Part 1

13 of 15

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 17: Mario Hezonja #8 of the New York Knicks blocks a shot from LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers during the last seconds of the fourth quarter during the game at Madison Square Garden on March 17, 2019 in New York City. 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. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Signed Mario Hezonja

GRADE: C+

When the Knicks signed Mario Hezonja, it was received relatively well. Nobody expected Hezonja to suddenly turn into an All-Star, but it was a subtle sign that perhaps the perception of the team was changing under new leadership. The Croatian wing reportedly turned down more money to come to New York on a team-friendly, one-year, $6.5 million deal.

The highlight of Hezonja’s short tenure in New York has to be the time he blocked LeBron James to secure a Knicks victory. Put the poster in the Garden hallways for years to come. Nobody has to remember the context around the season, they just need to remember that there was one game when LeBron didn’t make the Knicks look foolish on their home court.

Overall, the excitement over Hezonja as a forward who could handle the ball and create plays with his unique passing abilities quickly dissipated. His defense became a nightly horror show. He shot 41.2 percent from the field, a decline from his 44.2 percent performance the season before in Orlando.

It’s hard to be too critical of the Hezonja signing considering the low risk. But the return on the court was average, at best, so an overall C+ grade is warranted.

Home/Knicks News