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NBA Rookie Rankings: Coming down the homestretch

By Brett David Roberts

Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) greets Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) prior to the game at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) greets Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) prior to the game at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) greets Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) prior to the game at Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 103-95. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Mario Hezonja begins to climb the rungs of the ladder, but there are so many rookies emerging at this point in the season.

It is time for the third edition of Orlando Magic Daily’s rookie rankings.

There has been some moving and shaking with rookies starting to receive more minutes and opportunities with their respective teams having fallen out of the playoff race.

This draft seems to be one with at least three franchise players, and it may have perhaps as many as five or six. To say the draft was loaded might be hyperbole, but not by much.

Where does that leave Mario Hezonja in his uneven rookie year? Has he slid up the rankings with his opportunities as a starter? Is he starting to show what caused Orlando to draft him No. 5 overall in the 2015 draft?

It is time to delve into those issues, even if he has not been an elite player from this class yet. Magic fans have seen enough to know the kid can play, and he seems to have pretty good chemistry with his teammates, particularly Aaron Gordon. The Magic have turned to their youth, and Hezonja represents the Magic’s future starting swingman, whether it be at the 2 or the 3 spot.

Next: A fierce wolf