Keep a Close Eye on Mario Hezonja Signing With the Sacramento Kings

Mario Hezonja informed Real Madrid that he’s looking to rejoin the NBA earlier this week.

>Before that, Hezonja, a Croatian-born forward, played five seasons in the NBA with multiple teams. The Orlando Magic drafted him in 2015 with the fifth overall pick. The Knicks signed him in 2018, and Portland did the same in 2019.

>It’s possible the Sacramento Kings have genuine interest in signing Hezonja to a minimum-salary contract. One reason Sacramento makes sense is that their general manager, Scott Perry, was the vice president of the Magic when they drafted Hezonja. Perry later served as the Knicks’ general manager from 2017-2023, encouraging Hezonja to sign with the Knicks instead of the Kings.

Scott Perry on Hezonja signing: “I spent two years with him. I know him as a player and person. I know what drives him. I saw him go through tough times not playing much, he still was coming to the gym back at night and held belief in himself.''

>— Marc Berman (@NYPost_Berman) July 10, 2018

Hezonja’s Time in the NBAHezonja stands 6-foot-9, playing small forward and power forward during his NBA career. Since leaving the NBA, he’s made a name for himself overseas, playing for several teams, including Greece’s Panathinaikos, Russia’s UNICS, and Spain’s Real Madrid.

>Coming into the 2015 NBA draft, teams were intrigued by his shooting ability, as well as his athleticism and ball handling. Aside from a few standouts like Karl Anthony-Towns and Devin Booker, the draft lacked star power. Scouts widely regarded him as one of the best shooters in his class.

>Before the draft, he shot a higher percentage from 25-29 feet from the hoop than 20-24 feet.

>More than a decade later, it’s still necessary to wield players that can stretch the floor. Hezonja provides that and more. With a quick first step, he can burn defenders closing out on potential shot attempts and use his frame to finish in the interior.

>In transition, Hezonja utilizes speed to race to the rim and throw down dunks — just ask Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Hezonja really disrespected Giannis like that pic.twitter.com/nfSvXIPsh6

>— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) December 1, 2018

Hezonja’s first stint in the NBA ended after the 2019-2020 season. He averaged close to 16 minutes per game, one of his lowest career marks. He felt exasperated, but had the opportunity to revitalize his career in Greece, playing for Panathinaikos.

Hezonja’s European ProgressionDuring his time in Europe, Hezonja’s playing style has matured. He showed flashes of defensive potential in the NBA, but prioritized his offensive game instead. Overseas, he’s blossomed into the two-way specialist that scouts believed he could be.

>During the 2025 EuroBasket qualifiers, Hezonja averaged 30.3 points, 9.3 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.0 steals per game for Croatia. Hezonja is an incredibly versatile scorer and his play on the European circuit solidified that notion. His two steals per game are a testament to his growth as a defender, showing he can guard multiple positions without much trouble.

>Hezonja averaged 17.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game last season. He helped Real Madrid reach the EuroLeague Championship game before falling to Olympiakos, led by former Sacramento King Sasha Vezenkov.

>He’s the prototype of a player teams always look for to pounce upon: a larger wing who can make an impact on both sides of the ball. Hezonja has progressed as an off-ball mover, navigating through the defense to gain position and receive passes from teammates. His talented shot creation ability hasn’t lost a beat in Europe, making him one of the most multi-faceted free agents on the market.

Mario Hezonja activó el modo 𝐒𝐮𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐣𝐚

> 17 puntos, 7 rebotes, 3 asistencias y 29 de valoración en una actuación clave para que el @RMBaloncesto sumara el triunfo ante @valenciabasket.

>@mariohezonja | #LigaEndesapic.twitter.com/jVVUdBHiEY

>— Liga Endesa (@ACBCOM) April 26, 2026

Hezonja racked up notable accolades in Europe, like the 2025-26 Spanish League MVP and being named to the 2023-24 All-EuroLeague Second Team. Recently, he earned MVP honors in the first round of 2027 FIBA World Cup qualifiers, putting up an 11-point, 10-rebound and a 12-assist triple-double.

>The former lottery pick returns to the NBA with an improved game and a chip on his shoulder. He would likely sign for a veteran minimum contract, essentially a “prove-it” deal. He is in the middle of his prime with Europe in his back pocket, meaning he has nothing to lose.

Latest on former No. 5 overall pick Mario Hezonja per league sources:

> Hezonja indeed expected to rejoin the NBA for the first time since 2019-20.

> Multiple NBA teams have shown interest in the Real Madrid forward.

> List said to include teams also pursuing LeBron James. pic.twitter.com/le0tCT8FYi

>— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 22, 2026

Hezonja’s Fit on the KingsShould the Kings land Hezonja, he will likely receive substantial minutes from Day 1. The Kings are in dire need of wings to provide defensive support off the bench. The second unit has a group of Hezonja, Malik Monk, Emanuel Sharp, Precious Achiuwa and Maxime Raynaud.

>Hezonja could work well with Monk, who’s a phenomenal playmaker who’s always looking to make the right pass. With his new off-ball mechanics, Hezonja knows how to swerve to his spots beyond the arc and space the floor. He’d likely take on the role of secondary scorer, capitalizing on the pressure primary ball handlers create and working in open space.

¡LOS DOS TRIPLES DECISIVOS DE MARIO HEZONJA PARA DAR EL PASE A LA FINAL DE LA #CopaACB!

>@mariohezonja

>@DAZN_ES | #CopaACB | @RMBaloncestopic.twitter.com/mVSZJz45On

>— Liga Endesa (@ACBCOM) February 21, 2026

For years, Hezonja has played with European bigs who possess similar skillsets as Raynaud. Without so much as glancing at the playbook, he would know how to meet the young center’s needs. The offense runs through Raynaud, though he isn’t the one taking the ball up the floor.

>For Hezonja, it all comes back to understanding how to fit the role, knowing when to move off-ball and when to show off his isolation scoring. The veteran forward won’t take a second chance in the NBA for granted, and he’ll exhibit the tenacity necessary to prove his worth.

>Keep a close eye on Hezonja to the Kings. They know his fit off the bench would be a welcome sight for fans.

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