Mario Hezonja is officially back in the NBA after a six-year run tearing it up in the EuroLeague, and he’s slated for a leading role off the Cavaliers bench in the 2026-27 season. But his return comes with some seriously eye-popping claims about his body transformation that have folks wondering what’s real and what’s, well, a little stretched.
Is Super Mario Really That Much Bigger?
Remember Hezonja from his first NBA stint? The guy was known for his shot-making, his trash talk, and that memorable block on LeBron James back in 2019. But he was also a lanky dude, often thinner than most of the guys he was playing against. Not anymore, or so he says! Hezonja is claiming a massive physical overhaul, telling Fear The Sword’s Tony Pesta that he’s 70 pounds heavier and three inches taller than when he first entered the league. “I was drafted, man, at 6-6, 190,” Hezonja said, reminiscing about looking like a child. “And now I’m coming back at 6-9, 260, so that definitely adds to the versatility the team can use, the Kenny can use, obviously my teammates.” That’s a huge jump, transforming from a “super talented” but not “physique in NBA” player to a total beast.
The Numbers Don’t Quite Line Up
While Hezonja definitely looks to have packed on some serious muscle during his time away, and his new muscular build has drawn plenty of admirers, including new teammate Jarrett Allen who said Hezonja “weighs more than me,” his claims about exact measurements might be a bit of an exaggeration. The NBA’s official draft records tell a different story. They list Hezonja as 6-8, 218 pounds in his rookie season, not 6-6, 190. The Magic’s summer league roster from his rookie year also touted those same 6-8, 218-pound measurements. So, while he’s undeniably grown, those 70 pounds and three inches might be more wishful thinking than cold, hard fact.
The 31-year-old Croatian forward, who was a star at Real Madrid and even earned Liga ACB MVP honors in his final season in Spain, credits his “tireless work ethic” for his new physique. He said, “For the weight, I can tell you from a lot of crazy hard work. Never quitting, always doing extra, always doing more, always knowing it’s never enough, having that fire in me, having that hunger with me my entire career.” You gotta respect that hustle! Hezonja is definitely going to look different when he hits the floor in Cleveland colors this season, bringing that Liga ACB MVP energy to the Association. Even if the full extent of his body transformation isn’t quite as wild as he’s making it sound, a stronger, hungrier Mario Hezonja is still something to look forward to!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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