The Detroit Pistons are off to a hot start, leading the Eastern Conference with a 5-2 record. Still, adding a more talent could be beneficial, particularly talent that has as much to offer as Mario Hezonja, who has fallen out of grace with the Orlando Magic. With what would likely be a cheap asking price, should the Pistons take a stab at the former top five pick?
At 5-2, the last thing the Detroit Pistons are probably thinking about is mixing up its roster. However, adding quality talent with high upside at a discounted cost is appealing in virtually every situation.
As it so happens, there is a player with high upside that could be had at a discounted cost in the Orlando Magic’s Mario Hezonja, who was drafted fifth overall in the 2015 NBA draft.
Today, it was reported that Hezonja’s fourth year option was not picked up by the Magic. This means that Hezonja’s time in Orlando is likely coming to an end after the season ends, if he’s not traded before.
This also means that Orlando would likely be willing to trade Hezonja for a modest fee to at least get something in return.
Hezonja, through three seasons has earned inconsistent minutes, and as a result, has shown both flashes of brilliance and flashes of inconsistency.
Still, Hezonja, at 6’8″ with a beautiful shooting stroke and impressive athleticism could morph into a valuable player for a team under the right tutelage. After all, the skills and size are there.
That brings us to this: Should the Pistons take a shot at Hezonja?
My take? Probably not, though I would understand if the Pistons did.
While Hezonja can likely be had for something as low as a second round pick, and/or something like Reggie Bullock (to clear room for Hezonja both financially, and in terms of role), he likely wouldn’t get into Van Gundy’s rotation this season–especially with rookie Luke Kennard, whom Van Gundy has been really high on.
With Hezonja in the final year of his deal, that means Hezonja, who would have a tough time earning minutes on the Pistons, would likely only play one season in Detroit. After all, it would be a tough sell for the Pistons in free agency, especially if he doesn’t play at all.
Still, Hezonja has been connect to the Pistons for some time, even before the NBA draft. This is because Hezonja’s agent, Arn Tellem, who is also the vice chairman of Palace Sports & Entertainment, which owns the Detroit Pistons.
The connection is so strong between Tellem, Hezonja, and the Pistons, that many thought that Hezonja was “trying to pull a Kobe Bryant” to land with the Pistons.
Perhaps the Pistons don’t find it sensible to make a move for Hezonja, particularly if they don’t think he could contribute this season.
But should the market be reasonable for Hezonja this offseason? Or, what if Hezonja really does have interest to land with the Pistons?
Under these circumstances, it’s possible to see a scenario where Hezonja could join the Pistons in the future, and potentially be a contributor for the team.
I would be intrigued to see what Van Gundy could do with Hezonja. As mentioned before, the talent is there.
Next: What’s been the biggest surprise for Detroit Pistons?
That’s my take, what’s yours?