NBA Rookie Rankings: Coming down the homestretch
9. Mario Hezonja
Previous Rank: 10
Mario Hezonja begins his ascent in these rankings, bolstered by his starting performances while Evan Fournier was out injured last week.
Hezonja has averaged 23 minutes per game during his past 10 games, while averaging 8.4 points, 3.6 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game. Hezonja has struggled somewhat since moving back to the bench, but he got a chance to best showcase his talent in his start against the Chicago Bulls.
Hezonja had 21 points and five boards in 37 minutes of play while knocking down three 3-pointers. His ability to get his shot off so quickly is going to contribute to his scoring development. Hezonja is supremely confident usually, though that has been shaken a little with his minimal contributions earlier this season.
Hezonja appears to have all the tools to be a starting NBA 2-guard, but at this point it has still been a lot of flashes in the pan. Even though his minutes decreased with Fournier coming back, it has to be wondered if Orlando goes all-in on developing the youngest talents with the team not really within striking distance of the postseason anymore.
Next: Defensive Demon