Here’s a little something I wrote from before the season started:

Here’s a little highlight video I put together from the first half of the season:

And here’s a recent article from the wonderful Danny Chau:

Some things:

Hezonja was, apparently, dealing with major injuries last year. He recently posted a photo to Instagram with the caption: “Just a year ago, I could barely use my leg.”

It appears he’s become competent at dribbling a basketball (!) and has gotten really good at holding on to the ball when driving to the hoop.

He’s made some super athletic plays, as shown in the highlight reel.

Mario has gone from being an average rebounder to a really good one. He’s been great at pushing it in transition (other than the infamous 4-on-1 fast break).

He’s gotten way better at team defense, not leaving his assignment to gamble on steals nearly as much as he did last year.

His main issue right now is his failure to consistently knock down shots from behind the arc. Still, his form looks great — he went 8–12 from three in a game against the Pistons this season — and he’s has made some deep threes look season. He gets going every now and then. He’ll get there.

Finally, and perhaps most importantly — I told you so. I have absolutely zero qualms about I-told-you-so-ing in this situation. It’s what I do. Hezonja is good when he gets minutes.

When Hezonja’s played consistent (20+) minutes this season, here are his stats:

13.2 pts

4.9 reb

1.4 ast

1 stl

0.6 blk

51/41/84

Are they fantastic numbers? No.

Do they, alongside the video, prove that he still has a ton of potential (he’s still only 22 years old!), that he’s an efficient player, and that he still has a place in this league?

Absolutely.

#FreeHezonja