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Despite not yet playing a single minute in his new jersey, the former Real Madrid star has already received a grand welcome. A mural featuring his likeness and the inscription “New King in Town” has appeared on a Cleveland wall, a clear sign of the fans' enthusiastic reception.
For the 31-year-old Croatian basketball player, this marks a return to the sport's biggest stage. In his initial NBA stint (2015–2020), after being selected as the 5th overall pick in the draft, he played 330 games for Orlando, New York, and Portland, averaging 6.9 points and 3.1 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game.
After leaving the U.S., Hezonja returned to Europe, where he fully blossomed into one of EuroLeague's most dominant wing players. Playing for Panathinaikos, UNICS, and then Real Madrid, with whom he won a championship title, he averaged 11.8 points and 4.4 rebounds per game in Europe's elite competition.
His performances at Real Madrid caught the attention of the Cleveland front office, who offered him a one-year contract worth $2.8 million. Although LeBron James' departure to the Sixers altered the franchise's plans, the Cavaliers believe that a more mature and well-rounded Hezonja will provide much-needed shooting depth in the upcoming season.
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