There was a time when Mario Hezonja was considered one of the top prospects in the NBA. That is not the case anymore, as Hezonja has proven to be nothing more than a bench player on a good team, but he seemed to really enjoy his 2018-19 campaign with the New York Knicks.

So much so that Hezonja wants to return to the Knicks next season, according to Steve Popper of Newsday.

“I’m ready to talk to [Madison Square Garden Executive Chairman James] Dolan,” Hezonja said. “If he gives me that call on July 1, we’re done. But yeah, my second family is in this organization. Steve [Mills] was the guy that first called me when Phil Jackson was here. Scott Perry drafted me. Fiz came to L.A. to bring me here. [Assistant coach Keith Smart], he’s like my second father right here. So just wonderful relationships with everybody in the organization. The city embraced me to fullest. I just love playing here.”

In 57 games and 23 starts this season, Hezonja has averaged nine points and 4.1 rebounds over 20.8 minutes per game while shooting 41.4 percent from the floor, 27.8 percent from three-point range and 76.3 percent from the free-throw line.

Great numbers? No, but Hezonja's scrappy attitude has won over many fans in New York.

“We’ll see. But also, free agency, that was my first time last year so I know it’s crazy,” said the former Orlando Magic wing. “People calling all over the place and all those all-stars and everything. I’ll be patient. But we all know where I want to be. We’ll see.”

Hezonja was originally selected by the Magic with the fifth overall pick of the 2015 NBA Draft.