By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Mario Hezonja is quickly locking in his roster spot with the Cleveland Cavaliers. His one-year contract becomes fully guaranteed if he stays past November 15, and his early production in the 2026–27 NBA Regular Season makes that look like a certainty.
Since returning to the league, the Dubrovnik native has given the team a steady lift off the bench. Playing under head coach Kenny Atkinson, he is averaging 17.8 minutes across six games. He has filled the stat sheet with 7.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per night, helping push the Cavs to a 4–2 start.
Following a road win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday, Hezonja talked about how the team is building habits. When asked if a big victory proves their hard work is paying off, he pointed out that progress isn’t just measured by wins. “You also see them in defeat. You can learn both ways. You can see them in practice, you can see them in everything if you observe and pay attention, which this organization does at the extremely high level,” he noted.
Figuring out his fit on a new squad hasn’t rattled him either. He credits his veteran perspective with keeping him grounded. “It relaxes me a lot,” he described how career experience helps him. “It doesn’t relax me competitively on the court, but mentally.”
The transition back to the NBA succeeds because he trusts the people around him. He shifted the praise to his peers and trainers. “My entire NBA career is in Kenny’s hands, in coaching staff’s hands, and in my teammates’ hands,” he said.
The Cavaliers resume action against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Rocket Arena on Monday.
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