Mario Hezonja: The effects of having a pure shooter

Mario Hezonja can transform the Orlando Magic offense this season with his lights-out shooting.

The Orlando Magic had just three players who shot better than 36 percent from 3-point range last season (Tobias Harris, Channing Frye and Evan Fournier). But of those three, only Harris saw consistent playing time. Fournier fought injury and battled through losing playing time, and Channing Frye lost his starting position to Dewayne Dedmon.

The Magic do not have anyone capable of stroking at Frye’s percentage (39) while also providing enough other things on the court. Frye does not rebound well, is not a good defender, and just is not a starting power forward. There is no shooter who provides enough to warrant a starting spot.

Until now. Until Mario Hezonja.

The Magic ranked 29th in the NBA in 3-point percentage, largely because their best two shooters were not high volume, while Harris was but only right at the margin of efficiency.

The Magic also had just one player on the team who attempted at least four free throws a game (Victor Oladipo, 4.4).

Hezonja seems to have a chance to fix both these woes, creating the spacing Orlando’s offense so desperately needs.

Next: What will Hezonja bring that Orlando doesn't have?