From NBA lottery pick to European champion: the nomadic career of Mario Hezonja
In short: Few players navigate the global basketball landscape quite like Mario Hezonja. After being selected fifth overall in the 2015 NBA draft, the Croatian star has traversed leagues in Spain, Russia, Greece, and the United States, evolving from a high-potential prospect into a decorated EuroLeague champion.
Mario Hezonja's ascent began in Croatia, where he moved to the club level at just 12 years old. By 2011, he was already earning accolades, winning the Nike International Junior Tournament and being named MVP of the FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship. His talent was so evident that at 17, he signed a three-year deal with the Spanish giants Barcelona, a move that included a €150,000 buyout for his former club, Zagreb.
His transition to the NBA arrived in 2015 when the Orlando Magic selected him with the fifth overall pick. While his early NBA years showed flashes of brilliance—including a perfect 8-for-8 performance from behind the three-point line in the Spanish League—his time in America was marked by fluctuations in role and efficiency. After stints with the New York Knicks, Portland Trail Blazers, and Memphis Grizzlies, Hezonja eventually pivoted back to the European stage.
The latter part of Hezonja's career has been defined by significant success in Europe's top tier. After playing for Panathinaikos and UNICS Kazan, he joined Real Madrid in 2022. In Spain, he achieved the pinnacle of continental basketball, winning the EuroLeague in 2023. His impact remained high, earning him the Spanish Liga MVP award in 2026. After a six-year absence from the NBA, Hezonja returned to the league in July 2026, signing a one-year deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
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