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NBA Draft: Comparing Mario Hezonja and Justise Winslow

By Brett David Roberts

Jan 7, 2015; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Justise Winslow (12) goes up for a shot against Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward Greg McClinton (11) during the second half at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Duke defeated Wake Forest 73-65. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2015; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Justise Winslow (12) goes up for a shot against Wake Forest Demon Deacons forward Greg McClinton (11) during the second half at Lawrence Joel Veterans Memorial Coliseum. Duke defeated Wake Forest 73-65. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 9, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Devon Bookert (1) goes up for a shot against Duke Blue Devils forward Justise Winslow (12) and center Jahlil Okafor (15) during the second half of the game at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2015; Tallahassee, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles guard Devon Bookert (1) goes up for a shot against Duke Blue Devils forward Justise Winslow (12) and center Jahlil Okafor (15) during the second half of the game at the Donald L. Tucker Center. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Capabilities

This is where Justise has the supreme advantage, and potentially what makes him more attractive to both general manager Rob Hennigan and coach Scott Skiles.

Winslow has the potential to be one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. Pairing him with Elfrid Payton and Victor Oladipo could prove devastating to opponents.

Hezonja, to be clear, is not a poor defender. But it is also not his calling card, as it is with Winslow.

It may become a matter of whether the Magic want to go with the best offensive player (Hezonja) or a guaranteed stopper in Winslow.

Given that some expect Winslow to become a No. 1 option offensively, the matter may be heavily reliant upon immediate impact.

If that had been a category, Hezonja would take it: he is ready for the Association. Winslow will likely be the better player in three seasons, but Magic fans would prefer Hezonja’s immediate impact.

Winslow could be a top-tier defender from the beginning, but is that enough to pass on Hezonja’s offensive skills?

Advantage: Winslow

Next: Which player would transition to the NBA better?