Mario Hezonja says NBA should see basketball is taken seriously in Europe

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Mario Hezonja stated on Sunday that his team’s preseason visit to Málaga, Spain, serves as a vital opportunity to expose his NBA teammates to the high level of international basketball. Following an open training session at the Palacio de Deportes José María Martín Carpena, Hezonja emphasized that the experience challenges players to step outside their comfort zones and recognize the professional intensity of the European game.

Hezonja’s message to the NBA

Addressing the media after the practice, Hezonja expressed his desire for the NBA to acknowledge the rigor of the European leagues. “So, let them see that there is international basketball, that we take basketball very seriously here, and that it is the best domestic league in Europe.”

The Croatian player, who previously competed for Real Madrid, noted that while many NBA players are familiar with European basketball through television or online highlights, experiencing the environment in person provides a necessary shift in perspective. He specifically referenced teammate James Harden as one of the players benefiting from this exposure to a different basketball culture.

A sold-out training session in Málaga

The Cavaliers’ visit to the home of Unicaja Málaga drew significant local interest, with approximately 10,000 spectators filling the arena for the public training session. Despite the large crowd, Hezonja remarked that he was not surprised by the atmosphere, noting his familiarity with the city from his time playing in the Liga ACB.

“I am used to it, because I have played against Unicaja Málaga many times,” Hezonja said. “It is a basketball city that supports [the team] a lot.” He added that he believes the experience of playing in front of such crowds and witnessing the tactical differences in European play is beneficial for the development of his current team.

Integration with the Cleveland Cavaliers

Discussing his personal role within the Cleveland roster, Hezonja expressed his commitment to the team’s goals for the upcoming season. He stated that the organization signed him with the expectation that he would contribute significantly to their success, and he is eager to integrate into their established identity of play.

“I have the coach’s confidence, that is why they signed me,” Hezonja explained. He emphasized his determination to be a “very important piece” that helps the team win, aiming to provide a positive impact on the court as the Cavaliers begin their official preseason schedule.

Context of European basketball

The Cavaliers’ camp, which included time in Marbella and training sessions in Fuengirola, concludes following this final test match in Málaga. The team is scheduled to continue its transition into the official NBA preseason calendar as they prepare for the start of the regular season.