Mario Hezonja Up 70 Pounds, 3 Inches Since Being Drafted, Talks Massive Weight Gain for NBA Return

Cleveland Cavaliers forward Mario Hezonja is back in the NBA after a six-season absence, and he's three inches taller and 70 pounds heavier (6'6", 190 to 6'9", 260) than he was when he initially entered the NBA in 2015 with the Orlando Magic.

Hezonja sat down with Mike Lucas of the Ultimate Cleveland Sports Show and spoke about his transformation and how that helps his versatility, an important trait in today's NBA.

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Hezonja spoke more about it via Chris Fedor of cleveland.com.

"I remember looking like a child," Hezonja said regarding his appearance in 2015. "I was super talented, but I wasn't physically ready. Now I'm coming back at 6'9" and 260. That adds to the versatility that the team can use. It's very useful to have these type of players that can help on the court with multiple things, screen for them, get open for them and all that stuff. Definitely that versatility that I think not only NBA, but the entire basketball world is about."

Hezonja has played his last six seasons with Panathinaikos, BC UNICS (one year apiece) and Real Madrid (four seasons). Over 44 EuroLeague games (36 starts) last year, Hezonja averaged 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 2.4 assists in 22.3 minutes per contest.

Now he is in Cleveland on a one-year, $2.8 million deal. He has a chance to provide a key role off the bench for a Cavs team that made the Eastern Conference Finals last year and covets another deep playoff run.