I’m still on Hezonja island, so feel free to join me. The former top-five pick has struggled mightily since arriving in Orlando, but part of that is situational. He was always praised for his competitive fire and rhythm scoring, so sitting on the bench for one of the league’s most stagnant teams was never ideal.
His recent improvement leaves some hope as well. In the month of January, Hezonja averaging 10.8 points in 23.8 minutes of action, shooting 34 percent from deep in the process. Those aren’t great numbers, but his size and scoring can be valuable off the bench when he’s given an opportunity.
The Sixers would have no shortage of chances to give him. His upside as a shooter is still there, so letting him work off of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons would have its benefits. He’d also be competing with Justin Anderson, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Jerryd Bayless for minutes. There’s playing time to be had.
Hezonja’s option was declined earlier in the season, so he’s an unrestricted free agent this summer. That means there are no strings attached for the Sixers, leaving little risk outside of a second round pick or two that might be given away in the trade. He’s a no-brainer if the price is reasonable, which it will be.
DO IT!
