On offense he is not a good enough playmaker to play the PG & he's not strong enough for PF. On defense, he really can't defend any position, from what I've read on the Magic board, his defense is pretty abysmal. Also, he doesn't seem to possess good lateral movement, despite being ultra athletic in the sense of leaping ability.
He's a rookie finding his way. I've seen too much of him. He's gonna be great. He's gonna be a killer on both ends of the floor. Hezonja is the guy that could beat Curry in the 3-point contest. Of all the young players on rookie contracts Hezonja is my #1 trade target. I'd trade Capela/Sam/McDaniels plus picks for him and trade away Ariza in the process. Then I'd plug him in at the 3 and never look back. Just give him 30-40 minutes a game and go with him. Let him learn on the fly. Never look back. But I don't think we could get him. So my next choice is Smart. And then maybe one of Noel, Oladipo, or Warren. I'm not including guys like Davis or KAT/Wiggins that I know aren't available for trade.
He can definitely shoot, that's for sure. But he's more of a Korver-type player, a really good spot-up shooter, except much more hops than Korver, and a meaner mindset.
He can dunk too....big time. Here's some recent footage against Philly. <iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LbV3zOlhzEo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> Frankly, of all the guys currently on rookie contracts, other than KAT and Davis, I'd take this kid. I think he's better than Wiggins and everybody else.
Has cod or cyberx said anything. Has any Rockets related news been released by anyone significant within the past 12 hours?
Not sure about 12 hrs but cod said that he doesnt thinks/ hears its likely we trade dwight but we are in talks about trading everyone else except harden and josh.
He's a much better shooter than Wiggins, for sure. Wiggins is a better defender and a better post-up player. Neither are good playmakers, but Hezonja is a bit better IMO.
Im thinking about Oladipo next to Harden, if he's available. In fact James is a better SF defender than guard defender, Oladipo would give you that playmaking alternative at the same time being a quality defender. Can also play some PG. Actually I would try to keep Trevor.
Both are godawful defenders and bad playmakers. But at least when it comes to defence it can improve. The playmaking and the ballhandling...we will see. Not likely but it could. I'm more alarmed by Wiggin's lack of improvement in defence than Hezonjas. Because from the first to the second year you expect players to at least a little start developing some understanding of help defence, and be more consistent in getting into defensive stance. Which Wiggins does not.
Let him settle in, it takes time for Euro players to adjust to the NBA game. During his time with the junior national team, Hezonja has shown that he's more than just a spot-up shooter. He's a great slasher, great rebounder and a very capable and flashy passer when he's willing to (last night in that Rising Stars game, 19-10-7 statline; it's an exhibition game, but still, he's shown that he can be an all-around threat). At worst, he's going to be a dynamic scorer in this league. And at best, his ceiling is through the roof.
Don't get me wrong. I like Hezonja quite a bit. Although I disagree with saying that his ceiling is through the roof it isn't. He's never going to be an elite defender IMO, he just doesn't have the physical tools for that. If he does however becomes a good offensive player and an above average defender (which is possible) he might some day be selected for an All-Star game. He's not a perennial All-Star type though.
