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Mario Hezonja proving his worth for Orlando Magic

By Kyle Williams

ORLANDO, FL - JULY 2: Orlando Magic General Manager Rob Hennigan and Head Coach Scott Skiles introduce the Magic's 2015 NBA Draft Picks Mario Hezonja and Tyler Harvey during a press conference on July 2, 2015 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. Mandatory Copyright Notice: ©2015 Fernando Medina/Orlando Magic
ORLANDO, FL - JULY 2: Orlando Magic General Manager Rob Hennigan and Head Coach Scott Skiles introduce the Magic's 2015 NBA Draft Picks Mario Hezonja and Tyler Harvey during a press conference on July 2, 2015 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. Mandatory Copyright Notice: ©2015 Fernando Medina/Orlando Magic /
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Mario Hezonja may have had a unfitting start with the Magic, but now he seems right at home where he belongs as he continues to improve.

It is safe to say this year’s draft class has been impressive so far.

Kristaps Porzingis is a nice surprise. Karl-Anthony Towns is just dominating the class. And players like D’Aneglo Russell and Jahlil Okafor are finally getting the hang of things.

Although, one rookie that sort of gets overlooked is Orlando’s fifth overall pick, Mario Hezonja.

Coming in the league with all the confidence in the world, and then some, everyone knew he had legitimate potential. However, since Evan Founrier became the gem of the season for the Magic, Hezonja never truly got to showcase his talents . . . until now.

Recently, Fournier went down with a wrist injury, and it is unclear when he will return — Fournier told Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel on Tuesday the wrist injury is not getting better, but he hopes more rest could have him ready to play Friday against the Phoenix Suns.

While he is out, this is Hezonja’s chance to shine. And that is exactly what he has been doing.

Hezonja scored 13 points with two threes and three assists in his debut as a starter Sunday against the Philadelphia 76ers. Not bad for his first start. The next game on March 1 against the Dallas Mavericks, still as a starter at the three, he had a dud with only two points, shooting 1 for 6 from the field.

In both those games, he struggled on defense and coach Scott Skiles acknowledged the rookie’s continued struggles on that end even as his offense came around. Particularly Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks, Wesley Matthews and the Mavericks attacked Hezonja at every turn and largely beat him.

However, he redeemed himself against the Chicago Bulls on Wednesday, scoring 21 points, five boards, one block and one steal.

Skiles called Wednesday’s game perhaps Hezonja’s best defensive performance as a pro, doing a good job chasing Mike Dunleavy Jr. and Doug McDermoot around screens while keeping his activity on offense. There were still mistakes, just fewer of them.

It was a realization of what Hezonja could be for this team.

Rob Hennigan knew exactly what he was getting with Hezonja. A shooting guard/small forward who can shoot well, who can score well and who has athleticism on top of that. Not to mention, he has that “If you’re not on my team, I’ll murder you” mentality.

He also knew Hezonja would be something of a project. His impact would not be immediate. It would take him time to learn the NBA game, and perhaps his defense would have to catch up to his offense some.

If this wrist injury is something serious for Fournier, then it appears Hezonja will be just the replacement Orlando needs to make a last-minute playoff push.

Sure, he will have his ups and downs, because what rookie doesn’t?

But Hezonja is very talented player on the rise, and he is the insurance Orlando was looking for.

If Fournier leaves in free agency this summer, that just leaves the stage for Hezonja to level up and prosper. It is likely something the Magic will consider as they make that free agency decision. The spot appears ready for Hezonja whenever he is ready.

The question remains when Hezonja will be ready to be a full-time NBA starter. That time is still a little ways away.

So far this season, Hezonja is averaging 5.6 points and 2.0 rebounds. Nothing to sniff at, obviously. Although, given the short amount of minutes he has been given (15.9), this should be a necessary learning experience for him.

Overall, the Magic made the right move choosing Hezonja.

Even in his limited minutes, Hezonja has shown a confident shooting ability and some flair off the dribble passing to teammates. As he continues to mature, he will improve on that end just as he continues to improve on the defensive end.

It is not likely he will become the franchise face of the team, but he will be one key elements to make this team great. Magic fans better start paying attention to the “Croatian Kobe” now, because he could be a threat in this league, as well as a huge boost for his own squad.