Mario Hezonja is generally considered the second or third best international prospect for the 2015 NBA draft – behind Kristaps Porzingis and depending how you classify Emmanuel Mudiay, who was born in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), moved to the United States and then played in China last season.
Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress:
Barcelona SG Mario Hezona will enter the draft, according to his agency @Wasserman. Potential top-5 pick. DX Profile: http://t.co/zbvMjY6rcV
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) April 23, 2015
Hezonja has good size (6-foot-8) and athleticism for a wing, and he can shoot. That package will very likely get Hezonja picked in the lottery, probably in the top 10.
But everything else will make teams proceed with caution.
There are rumblings about his attitude, and his defense is lacking despite his physical tools. He’s also just 20, and plenty of players have overcome similar issues at such a young age.