Mario Hezonja's father speaks on possible destinations, slights Nuggets
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Mario Hezonja and his father are not particular about where the Croatian prospect will play, the 20-year-old swingman is just looking forward to making his mark on the NBA.
Ronald Hezonja was open-minded about his son's future, in an interview with David Pick of Bleacher Report.
"We would like a situation where Mario would get 25 minutes a game. What number he is picked doesn't matter; our focus is where he can play and win," Ronald said.
But read between the lines, and it's pretty clear the Hezonja family is hoping to avoid the Mile High City.
When asked to speak on four potential landing spots, Ronald praised each destination except the Denver Nuggets:
New York Knicks, No. 4: "New York would be fantastic under Phil Jackson, who is accomplished, and Derek Fisher, because he played with Kobe Bryant and knows what is required to win."
Orlando Magic, No. 5: "Orlando are serious and could be a good landing spot with Scott Skiles as coach and Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton as rising stars."
Denver Nuggets, No. 7: "Denver have been chasing Mario for the past two seasons and can take him as a wing. But we're looking for the right environment."
Detroit Pistons, No. 8: "Detroit would be great because Stan Van Gundy is a great coach."
It's unclear why Ronald slighted the Nuggets. Denver has suffered through two lean seasons, but with a change in leadership and a potential flurry of trades, Denver could be a land of opportunity for Mario to hone his craft.
However, it could be a ploy to have Mario slip to the Pistons, who share a connection through former superagent Arn Tellem, who represented Mario before pivoting into a management role with Detroit. As a swingman, Mario projects as an ideal fit for the Pistons.
Whomever ends up with Mario can expect plenty of skill and confidence as he is one of the most electrifying players on the international circuit.