Hezonja Strengthening His Place in Cleveland

The 31-year-old Mario Hezonja returned to the NBA with a different mindset. The one-year contract he signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers will become fully guaranteed if he stays with the team after November 15. His early performance this season suggests that this possibility is strong.

Since his return, the Dubrovnik native has been providing a steady contribution off the bench. Under Kenny Atkinson, Hezonja has played 17.8 minutes per game over six games, averaging 7.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.0 assists. With these contributions, the Cavaliers started the season with 4 wins and 2 losses.

Speaking after the team's road win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, Hezonja argued that progress cannot be measured by wins alone. He said development can also be seen in defeats, and that this is noticed in practice and in every detail through careful observation. The player, who said the process of finding his place on the new team does not bother him, explained that his experience helps him stay calm. In his view, this calmness affects his mental state, not the competitive spirit on the court.

He credited his success since returning to the NBA to the people around him rather than to his own performance. He said his career is in the hands of Kenny Atkinson, the coaching staff and his teammates. The Cavaliers will face the Oklahoma City Thunder at Rocket Arena on Monday.