Utah Jazz: Breaking down the risks/rewards of potential trade targets
By Ryan Aston
Mario Hezonja
Best Case: Super Mario re-emerges in Jazzland. As a teen in Barcelona, Hezonja had scouts drooling, but his NBA career has been underwhelming. Upon landing in the 801, he rededicates himself and quickly reminds the basketball world why he was drafted No. 5 overall back in 2015.
He starts to hit the 3-pointer at the clip we want him to and his incredible athleticism really begins to show itself on both ends of the floor with more minutes. He’s an unrestricted free agent, but he likes the situation with the Jazz and they’re able to retain him with relative ease.
Worst Case: He’s truly a bust. Despite the hype, Hezonja just isn’t the guy we thought he was three years ago. Eventually, he finds himself in the same place he spent the brunt of his tenure in Orlando — on the bench. After a short-term deal to remain in the NBA reaches its end, Hezonja heads for greener pastures in Europe.
In other words, he’s a poor man’s Rudy Fernandez.
Next: George Hill