Hezonja Adds a Versatile Option to Cleveland’s Bench
As of November 2, Mario Hezonja was giving the Cleveland Cavaliers’ bench more offensive options with post play, perimeter shooting, rebounding and passing.
Mario Hezonja is offering Cleveland a different way to generate offense as he settles into his return to the NBA. The forward can shoot from outside, work inside against smaller defenders and pass when opponents send help, giving the Cavaliers another option alongside their established ball handlers.
Hezonja is averaging 1.2 post-ups per game, third-most on the team, and is shooting 35% from three-point range. He has made at least one three in each appearance. In Cleveland’s 121-111 win over Washington, he hit a fourth-quarter three during a decisive 9-0 run. He followed with two threes and 10 points against Atlanta.
His contributions have also included work on the glass and setting up teammates. Against Atlanta, he had six rebounds and two assists. In a win over Milwaukee, he recorded eight points, grabbed 11 rebounds and dished out four assists, with four of those coming on offense. His offensive rebounding rate is 7.7%, placing him in the 83rd percentile.
Those skills give Cleveland flexibility when combining reserves with starters: Hezonja can space the floor, provide a post target or move the ball after drawing defensive attention. His role is still taking shape, and turnovers have underscored the need for steadier decisions and defense. As the Cavaliers settle their rotation, his ability to contribute in several ways could help him earn a consistent place in it.