Branded the Croatian JR Smith, the NBA career for Mario Hezonja hasn't gone quite to plan since being drafted No. 5 overall by the Magic in 2015.
The Magic decided against bringing Hezonja back to Orlando this summer and the Knicks promptly signed him to a one-year, $6.5 million deal. Knicks GM Scott Perry was working in the Magic front office when they drafted Hezonja and he is confident in the 23-year-old's ability.
"With Mario, we're adding another young, athletic and driven player," Perry said, via ESPN's Ian Begley. "We're confident he will further develop under this coaching staff and excel playing in New York."
Hezonja, 23, averaged 9.6 points and 3.7 rebounds in 75 games with Orlando last season in his third NBA campaign.
The Portland Trail Blazers, Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies were among the teams to recruit Hezonja, however ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reports new Knicks coach David Fizdale was a major factor in him deciding in New York.
Hezonja has averaged 6.9 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 219 games (41 starts) with the Magic.