Mario Hezonja: The Point-Power Forward

[Zach Collins Enthusiast]

Usually Point Forwards are small forwards running the offense, not often do you see a player running the offense from the 4 position.
Lets see how well Stotts uses this phenomenon

 

[kjironman1]

Usually Point Forwards are small forwards running the offense, not often do you see a player running the offense from the 4 position.
Lets see how well Stotts uses this phenomenon

It's been good and bad to this point. So Stotts has been using it just fine. But if the player doesn't perform do you expect him to continue? Stotts can only put the player on the floor and tell him to make the plays. If the player gets stuffed or is not performing well there is little the coach can do other than quit going to the "Phenomenon".

 

[cheesehoff]

I believe Rio is what ET was supposed to be.

 

[SlyPokerDog]

Usually Point Forwards are small forwards running the offense, not often do you see a player running the offense from the 4 position.

 

[Storyteller2]

It's been good and bad to this point. .

Sums it up nicely....

I look forward to seeing what Mario can do as he continues to acclimate with the others on the 2nd squad.

 

[Wade Garrett]

Baze and Haasan have been impressive.
Mario....not yet.

 

[TorturedBlazerFan]

Baze and Haasan have been impressive.
Mario....not yet.

I thought Mario played a decent game yesterday.

 

[wizenheimer]

well, so far the point-PF has a PER of 3.1, a winshare/48 of -0.036, and a box plus/minus of -10.8. And after 2 games, his per36 assist average is 0.

and yeah I know that those stats are meaningless until about 30 games into the season. I was just being snarky because when I think of point-PF's I think of guys like Draymond Green or Lebron or the Greek Freak or Blake Griffin; or 6'9-ish guys like Magic or Ben Simmons. I think we know what the Blazers were hoping for when they signed Hezonja but it was always a questionable bet. It's still questionable

 

[Pinwheel1]

I thought Mario played a decent game yesterday.

I thought so too. Yes he missed his only 3 pointer, but the one turnover where the defender reached in was very questionable and he also got a nice drive and dunk taken away because of an illegal screen by Collins.

What I absolutely loved was his ability to attack the basket and hit the shot runners with ease. Not sure if he was playing PF or SF when he made those, but the lineup of Mario, Dame , CJ/Simons, Baze, and Whiteside (I am sure Collins would work just as easily)
will be something to keep an eye on as the year progresses.

As others have alluded to having a forward who can push the tempo and still be big enough to guard the 4 spot......allowing Terry to have 3 other ball handlers/ shooters on the floor with him (plus a center) was arguably the most enjoyable part of the game to me.
Even if it was only 3 1/2 minutes. I don't think we need to compare him to all stars to appreciate the potential need that he could fill.
I like to think about he and Bazemore pushing the ball up court with CJ and Dame fanning out for open 3's before the opposing defense is set.

 

[Labinot41]

This is what happens when you bring busts here and gamble that they become better due to culture and Leadership. Even the Knicks didn't want him.