LAS VEGAS — We were all jerks in our youth.
That was the message from new Knicks coach David Fizdale in predicting newly signed forward Mario Hezonja has turned over a new leaf as the 23-year-old Croatian put forth a strong finish to last season.
Hezonja, the fifth pick in the 2015 draft, officially signed with the Knicks on Friday for one year and $6.5 million, and Fizdale is officially allowed to talk about him now that the NBA moratorium is over.
Hezonja’s career was so below grade, the Magic didn’t pick up his fourth-year option — which is rare for a top-five pick.