The Cleveland Cavs are currently starting training camp as they make their preparations for the upcoming 2026-27 NBA season. Among the additions the Cavs made this summer was Mario Hezonja, who had been playing overseas after beginning his career in the NBA with several teams during the 2010s.
Hezonja figures to provide a solid veteran presence off the bench for Cleveland, and recently, Cavs big man Jarrett Allen spoke on one thing that has surprised him about the former journeyman.
“He weighs more than me,” Allen joked, per Chris Fedor of Cleveland.com on X, formerly Twitter.
Indeed, Hezonja has undergone a massive physical transformation since joining the NBA, and particularly during his time overseas.
Meanwhile, Hezonja also spoke on his mentality as he prepares to make his return to the league.
“It was always a little bit bothering me, you know, the coming to NBA unaccomplished, you know, very young,” Hezonja said. “So, definitely blessed and thankful to have clubs that wanted me, that supported me through my goals and all my achievements,” he said, per TalkBasket.net.
In addition to Hezonja, the Cavs also added Peyton Watson via a sign-and-trade with the Denver Nuggets toward the end of the summer, giving them (hopefully) the solution they’ve been looking for regarding their longstanding problems with the small forward position.
Watson and Hezonja figure to provide plenty of versatility and shotmaking on the wing for Cleveland, a team that is looking to build off last year’s trip to the Eastern Conference Finals.
Cleveland is set to kick off its new season on October 22 on the road vs LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers.