It's been six years since Mario Hezonja last played in the NBA, but he could - and should - emerge as a surprising pivot for the Miami Heat if they end up missing out on LeBron James.
According to recent reporting, Hezonja could be in play for any of the teams pursuing LeBron as a potential fit as he looks to make a move back to the Association. The Heat, naturally, are one of those teams that have been loosely linked to Hezonja as a potential landing spot.
Mario Hezonja has earned another shot in the NBA
He may not be the first name that comes to mind, but he could make sense as the type of veteran that the Heat should be pursuing if LeBron ends up signing with a team that isn't Miami. And just because Hezonja has been out of the NBA limelight doesn't mean he hasn't developed into a really solid basketball player.
Over the last six years, Hezonja has quietly developed into a capable contributor overseas. This past season, while playing for Real Madrid, he had a truly strong showing. In 38 games played in the EuroLeague, Hezonja averaged 13 points and four rebounds on 42 percent shooting from the field.
In 28 games played in Liga ACB, Hezonja averaged 18 points and five rebounds on 47 percent shooting from the field and 37 percent shooting from 3-point range.
As he eyes a second opportunity in the Association, there's no question that he could emerge as an intriguing low-risk, high-reward option for a contender looking to add depth to their supporting cast.
Mario Hezonja could be a key depth piece for Miami
That's why the Heat taking a flier on Hezonja, if they miss out on LeBron, could make sense. This is not to say that Hezonja would qualify as the LeBron replacement for Miami, but he does play a similar position and would give Miami more size on the wing and some added shooting.
Hezonja hasn't proven to be an elite 3-point shooter by any means, but even during his time in the NBA, he did have a few seasons where he was an above-average long-range shooter.
That's not his strength, but perhaps it's one area of his game that could truly blossom by playing next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo in Miami.
It's tough to predict how the Heat may end up pivoting if they miss out on LeBron, but perhaps Hezonja should be one name to keep a close eye on. If the Heat wanted to take a big swing, Hezonja could all of a sudden be on their radar.
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