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2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Mario Hezonja

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 24: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic goes to the basket against the Phoenix Suns on March 24, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 24: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic goes to the basket against the Phoenix Suns on March 24, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns
ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 24: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic passes the ball against the Phoenix Suns on March 24, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Final Grade

Orlando Magic. MARIO HEZONJA. B+. . F

No player improved himself more or improved his standing in the NBA more than Mario Hezonja. Where he was at the start of the year is light years from where he ended the season.

Quite literally, Hezonja went from unplayable to a solid role player. That kind of growth deserves a ton of kudos and recognition. It spoke well of the job coach Frank Vogel and his staff did to invest in Mario Hezonja’s individual growth. And it speaks well of Hezonja’s work ethic.

All that will bode well for Hezonja as he continues his career. This season quite simply saved his career in many ways.

That is not to say Hezonja has reached his potential. He still has a long way to go. And most likely, he will never reach the All-Star potential some saw in him coming out of the draft. That is OK.

For now, Hezonja has at least established he will have a NBA future. He will have a place in this league somewhere. And he can deliver on that role. Perhaps with the chance to continue growing.

Hezonja showed that potential throughout this season. The chance for him to grow into what he is now and perhaps become a bit more.

That will take the same kind of hard work it took for Hezonja to establish himself on the team this year. His path is just beginning rather than at an end after such a solid year overall this year. He will have to continue refining and improving his shot most especially while maturing defensively too.

All this points to Hezonja trending up. That is the biggest disappointment in the Magic’s decision to let him enter unrestricted free agency. They lost control over a growing and improving, young asset. Orlando simply does not have enough of those at the moment.

Next: 2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Evan Fournier

It is a potential opportunity lost for a team that cannot afford to squander them.