NBA Draft: Who is Mario Hezonja
Draft Sites Say
"Standing 6-8, he has ideal size for the wing position … Has a solid structure and high level athleticism even by NBA standards … He has bulked up some, adding muscle to his frame over the last couple seasons, training with top level athletes in a competitive environment. He still could work on his body strength to better withstand contact in the NBA … He lacks a solid mid-range game, which is the area where he struggles the most … He’s effective in ISO situations, but he tends to need a screen or generally a situation that creates an advantage for him, since when he’s forced to create a basket from off the dribble, he is less effective than other elite prospects."
"Hezonja is one of the most intriguing talents in this draft class, showing an impressive blend of athleticism and shooting ability while carving out a role off the bench for FC Barcelona in the Euroleague and ACB, the top leagues in Europe. Signing a seven year deal with the Spanish powerhouse prior to the 2012-2013 season, Hezonja served as the primary scorer on Barcelona’s 2nd team in the LEB Gold during his first year in Spain amid sporadic appearances for the club’s 1st team in mop up duty. Averaging only 9.6 minutes per-game playing for Barcelona’s senior team a year ago and 15.5 this year, Hezonja’s talent has shined brightly at times over each of the last two seasons, as he’s exploded for a number of big scoring games while playing an otherwise modest role."
Josh Robbins, Orlando Sentinel
"I think the Magic would be disappointed if the Knicks take Porzingis and would consider moving up to pry Porzingis away from the Knicks. Justise Winslow is the type of player — and person — Magic GM Rob Hennigan loves. Winslow’s smart, tenacious and selfless. But he’s similar in some ways to shooting guard Victor Oladipo and to combo forward Aaron Gordon. My guess is that the Magic instead would pick Hezonja, who combines above-the-rim athleticism with potentially stellar perimeter shooting. Hezonja’s buyout from FC Barcelona is said to be manageable. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Magic take Texas big man Myles Turner at No. 5 or trade down to select Turner and also acquire a veteran or a future pick."
"The Magic have compiled a lot of young, talented players in the aftermath of their post-Dwight Howard rebuild, but it’s still not clear how everything fits together. Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo and Aaron Gordon are elite athletes, but don’t give Orlando much shooting. That’s where Hezonja could help at No. 5. Hezonja has great size and high-level athleticism for an NBA wing at 6’8. He’s a capable three-point shooter who could become very good over time."
"Do you know what’s better than two points? Three points. This is a shooter’s league. Teams are shifting to a spread look on offense – four out – so why not grab one of the best shooters in the draft? To paraphrase the esteemed Derek Bodner on the latest RtRS podcast, he said, “Orlando has some pieces. They’re not necessarily great pieces, but they’re pieces.” (Again, paraphrasing there). Elfrid Payton is a plus defender, whose jump shot and foul shooting need a complete overhaul. Hezonja could be a nice complement to Payton in the backcourt."
Chris Johnson and Jeremy Woo, Sports Illustrated
"Orlando bolstered its perimeter defense over the last two drafts by selecting Victor Oladipo andAaron Gordon. New Magic coach Scott Skiles has a track record of producing stingy defensive units, yet Orlando could use an injection of offensive talent after finishing No. 27 in the league in efficiency last season. Assuming Skiles can coax better defensive play out of the players already on board, Hezonja could boost Orlando’s prospects on the other end of the floor."
"The Magic have their backcourt of the future in Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton, now they can address their lack of depth on the wing. They very well may take Winslow if the Knicks take Mudiay, but in this situation, they take the better offensive talent in Hezonja, who can add some much needed scoring and shooting to their perimeter."
Next: Final Take