In 2015, when Mario Hezonja decided to move to the NBA, he was 20 years old, 1.98 meters tall and weighed 86 kilograms<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now, at 31 and preparing for his second stint in the United States, the Croatian has a completely different physical profile: 2.06 meters and 118 kilograms<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI remember when I was drafted, I looked like a kid. I had a lot of talent and I could find my game, but I wasn\u2019t prepared for the physical level of the NBA. Now I\u2019m 2.06 meters tall and weigh 118 kilos. That adds a lot to the versatility I can bring to the team.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Hezonja\u2019s physical transformation has also impressed his new head coach, Kenny Atkinson<\/strong>, who compared the Croatian\u2019s build to that of an American football player.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cHe has the build of a tight end. Right now, you can\u2019t move him, you can\u2019t beat him to a spot. He\u2019s a tank.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n While his physique has changed dramatically, Hezonja\u2019s mentality appears to have remained the same.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Back in 2015, before his first NBA experience, the Croatian spoke openly about his attitude toward opponents on the court:<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cRespect? No, I\u2019ve never respected anyone on a basketball court. Whether it\u2019s a veteran or a young player in front of me, I always have the same goal: run everyone over.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n Hezonja\u2019s physical development has been one of the factors that kept attracting NBA interest over the years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
Kenny Atkinson: \u201cHe\u2019s a tank\u201d<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Hezonja\u2019s mentality hasn\u2019t changed<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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From 86 to 118 kilos<\/h2>\n\n\n\n