Assessing the Portland Trail Blazers options at small forward

Small forward option number four – Mario Hezonja

Mario Hezonja is probably the most intriguing option of the five on this list. A former top ten lottery pick of the Orlando Magic, Hezonja, now finds himself on the veterans minimum in Portland trying to salvage his career.

Hezonja has had a tough season and is one guy on this roster who didn’t benefit from the injuries by securing a more significant role. Hezonja himself, though had back issues and missed some games, before at last being a positive contributor just before the season was postponed.

At six-foot-eight, Hezonja does have the size and speed to defend the league’s most prominent wings. He famously defended LeBron at Madison Square Garden for the New York Knicks last season, blocking his shot to secure an unlikely stop and win.

Hezonja’s main problem is his inconsistent offense, and decision making on both ends. He will sometimes go to his jumper at inopportune times and is he isn’t a great shooter, and this must be frustrating for coaches. When he isn’t turning the ball over, though, he can be a great passer on the second unit, and because of his size when he plays at the three and four, he can help generate offense for guys like Trent Jr or Simons.

If Hezonja can provide competent offense in the way of playmaking and finishing, then he could potentially be an option at the three or four for 8 – 16 minutes a night.

Hezonja is just twenty-five-years old, but the clock is ticking. He needs to find a way to contribute positively to an NBA team before he ends up out of the league.