Knicks newcomer Mario Hezonja has a new French protégé.
As Hezonja attempts to prove he belongs with the franchise long term, the 23-year-old Croatian forward has become close with fellow lottery pick Frank Ntilikina, and will attempt to show the 20-year-old Ntilikina how to avoid the pitfalls of the NBA.
Hezonja’s career has been rocky since he was drafted No. 5 overall in 2015 by Orlando, where current Knicks general manager Scott Perry helped make the choice. Perry still thought enough of Hezonja’s future to sign him as a free agent in July on a one-year deal.