NBA Power Rankings: Battle for seeding priority of OKC Thunder and peers

With a number of players getting second chances on the Knicks the one guy who has made the biggest bang is Mario Herzonja. Not necessarily in terms of his consistency of production, rather in his interaction with superstars.

Hezonja was long considered a perimeter specialist which is why his block on LeBron James (and his dunk – step over earlier this season on Giannis Antetokounmpo) stand out.

When he was selected fifth in the 2015 draft I recall outlining how in the right situation his bravado could prove to be a major part of his role. That never transpired in Orlando which was odd given Scott Skiles and Frank Vogel were both coaches who typically appreciate that demeanor.

If nothing else Hezonja has shown glimpses of his grit to offer additional reasons for his consideration as an asset.

Schedule particulars:

Games Remaining: 12| Home: 8 | Road: 4

• Versus top 10 offenses: six
• Versus top 10 defenses: five
• Games facing teams over .500: seven
• Last 10 games: 2-8
• Back to back sets: two

Key Stats:

Offensive Rating: 30th (104.5)
Defensive Rating: 27th (112.5)
Net Differential: 28th (-8.0)

Record: 15th in EC
Home: 7-26 | Road: 7-30 | Back to back sets: 13
Versus the West: 6-20 | Versus the East: 8-36

Week 22, 1-2: Won vs Lakers, Lost vs. @Pacers, @Spurs
On tap for week 23:  @Raptors, Jazz, Nuggets, Clippers