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2016 NBA Rookie Rankings: Where did Mario Hezonja Finish?

By Brett David Roberts

Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots around New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots around New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota Timberwolves, Kristaps Porzingis, New York Knicks
Feb 20, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots around New York Knicks forward Kristaps Porzingis (6) during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /

Where does Mario Hezonja rank among the rich rookie class of 2015?

The 2015 NBA Draft class has proven to be one of the better of recent years, and there may be a number of All Stars among its number once maturation takes place.

There may be as many as three or four true franchise players in the 2015 rookie class (notwithstanding the Philadelphia 76ers have already started to consider trading Jahlil Okafor).

The Orlando Magic likely missed out on some of those franchise players at No. 5, again left just on the doorstep of a big draft acquisition. Mario Hezonja has the chance to be a very good player, but he is hardly a player a team can build completely around — the definition of a franchise player. The likes of the Portland Trail Blazers have stayed afloat because they have a superstar in Damian Lillard.

But Victor Oladipo is not Damian Lillard. The Magic lack a superstar, and Hezonja is doubtfully one.

Even so, he is still a top player in this class and the Magic are unlikely to be disappointed as he becomes a mature NBA player.

Hezonja made a lot of progress late in the season, but so did a number of other rookies, some even serving important roles for playoffs teams (Myles Turner and Justise Winslow).

Hezonja’s best basketball came late in the season, but we did predict that to be the case prior to the season. We knew the Magic would bring him along slower than they did, simply because it could be done. Orlando had the depth at the wing position (prior to trading Tobias Harris) to render Hezonja a spot reserve.

Next season will undoubtedly transform many of these rookies into top options and established pros. But in the meantime we can evaluate where they all stand at the conclusion of the 2015-16 season.

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