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Top-10 Rookie Rankings: Where does Mario Hezonja Stand Thus Far?

By Brett David Roberts

Nov 23, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) boxes out against Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. The Timberwolves win 100-95 over the 76ers. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Jahlil Okafor (8) boxes out against Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) in the fourth quarter at Target Center. The Timberwolves win 100-95 over the 76ers. Mandatory Credit: Marilyn Indahl-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic
Dec 26, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (23) dunks the ball during the second half of a basketball game against the Miami Heat at Amway Center. The Miami Heat won 108-101. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Mario Hezonja

Mario Hezonja has had trouble getting minutes this season for the Orlando Magic, but that is quite understandable given the glut of talent at his natural positions.

The reaction by Scott Skiles has been to play Hezonja out-of-position at times, with the Croatian prodigy moonlighting at the point guard spot. Make no mistake, he can run the point — Hezonja’s court vision is perhaps second only to Elfrid Payton at this point.

Hezonja was a rare bright spot in the lopsided loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, as he made several jaw-dropping passes and had a few impressive jaunts to the rim on a night when the Magic were mostly settling for (missed) jump shots.

Hezonja has appeared in 31 of the 34 Magic games this season while seeing an average of 13.1 minutes per night.

The case is certainly there for him to see an uptick in minutes, even if it means leaving his comfort zone and becoming the go-to backup point guard. His humble averages of 4.5 points and one assist per game hardly illustrate the talent we have seen him display thus far.

So, while Hezonja clocks in rather low in the rookie rankings, he could easily propel himself up the chart if Skiles doles out more minutes and as Hezonja gets more comfortable in the league.