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Schmeelk: 2015 NBA Draft Profile — Mario Hezonja

By John Schmeelk
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The NBA draft is less than two weeks away, and with the Knicks picking fourth they'll have a number of options available to them. I've already taken a look at the potential picks for the Knicks at the fourth overall spot. There has also been speculation they might consider trading down to acquire extra picks this year or next, shed Jose Calderon or acquire another veteran.

The Knicks have been linked to a number of different players, but we'll start with a guy who should be gone in the top nine: Mario Hezonja.

Mario Hezonja: SG/SF, Euro and ACB League, 6-foot 8, 200 pounds, 20 years old, Croatia

Euro Stats: 16.5 min, 7.7 points, 46 percent FG, 38 percent 3PT, 2 reb, 1 assist

ACB Stats: 14.4 min, 4.5 pts, 45 percent FG, 36 percent 3PT, 2 reb, 1.3 assist

Hezonja is the second big-time European prospect who is expected to go in the top 10 in this draft. His value is not high enough to go fourth, but he could fall anywhere from six to 10.

What we know he can do: Score. Hezonja can put the ball in the hole every way you can. His is great running off screens, catching and shooting. He can shoot off the dribble, and has a step-back move that is very difficult to guard. He has the athleticism to get to the rim and finish strong. He is strong enough at 6-foot-8 to take contact and finish near the basket. He has even shown the ability to run the high screen and roll, and not only score but set up his teammates with the pocket pass. He could be a dynamic wing scorer in the NBA very quickly.

What we think he can do: He has shown flashes of being a good on-the-ball defender, when he is engaged. He has the foot quickness to move laterally to stay in front of his man, and the length to challenge jump shots. He even shows good hands to steal the ball from ball handlers and jump passing lanes. He has all the tools to be a good defender, but his effort and focus have not been consistent in that area.

What we worry about: The game is there, but there are some questions as to what is going on between the ears. Despite all his skills, he is not a very good decision-maker. Often times he will force contested shots even though he has open teammates. You could call him a chucker, depending on when you see him. His handle isn't the best and he often dribbles himself into trouble, which leads to contested shots. As I mentioned earlier, his defensive effort and focus is also inconsistent. There are also serious maturity issues with him, if reports are to be believed.

Off the court: I've seen him described as "eccentric" and even "weird." The bottom line is that he appears to be a different type of personality, which might mean nothing if he finds consistent focus on the floor. Could be a knucklehead.

Buzz: Should go in the top 10.

Floor: Euro J.R. Smith (and everything that goes along with that) with less natural talent.

Ceiling: A less athletic version of DeMar DeRozan with a much better jumper.

Fit on the Knicks: The Knicks need shooters and players who can create their own shots, to help Carmelo Anthony. Hezonja can do that, and would also push Melo to the PF spot in many circumstances. He can move off the ball, a prerequisite of the triangle. He does fit the system and what the Knicks like to do.

Prediction: If the Knicks trade down into the bottom half of the top 10, I think they are more likely to draft someone like Willie Cauley-Stein, Frank Kaminsky or Cameron Payne than Hezonja.

I will look at three more players next week before looking at draft strategy: Frank Kaminsky, Cameron Payne, and Stanley Johnson.

You can follow me on Twitter @Schmeelk for everything Knicks, the NBA, the Giants and the world of sports.  

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