By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Mario Hezonja is settling back into the NBA with a grounded mindset.
Following Saturday’s practice, the 31-year-old Croatian forward discussed his acclimation to the league. “Maybe just the length of the guys,” he pointed out. “There’s so much space, but the length is pretty substantial compared to Europe.”
The veteran previously appeared in 335 NBA contests before returning to Europe in 2021, where he captured a EuroLeague title in 2023. He is now back in the league with a re-engineered frame and a more experienced outlook on his role with the Cavs.
“I don’t want to be vocal over everybody, I don’t want to be a smartass or just like every time stop or just say what I see,” he explained. “It’s mostly by doing the right stuff on the court, being in the right positions, screening for guys.”
His direct attitude has already won over head coach Kenny Atkinson. “I love how transparent he is,” he said when discussing Hezonja’s preseason media interactions. “He’s going to tell you what he thinks.”
That focus is showing up on the stat sheet. Across Cleveland’s two Preseason 2026 fixtures, he has averaged 9.0 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, along with a block and a steal per outing.
The team is currently finalizing a preparation phase that featured a training camp in Spain. They travel to face the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center on Tuesday. After that final tune-up, they start the 2026–27 Regular Season on Thursday, October 22, meeting the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena.
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