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Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Mario Hezonja

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Oct 8, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward C.J. Fair (12) dribbles the ball around Orlando Magic forward Mario Hezonja (23) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 97-92. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indiana Pacers forward C.J. Fair (12) dribbles the ball around Orlando Magic forward Mario Hezonja (23) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. The Pacers won 97-92. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic, Gary Neal, Washington Wizards
Oct 28, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Washington Wizards guard Gary Neal (14) and Orlando Magic forward Mario Hezonja (23) go after he rebound during the second half at Amway Center. Washington Wizards defeated the Orlando Magic 88-87. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Final Grade

C+. <p>Mario Hezonja has the pressure of being the No. 5 pick in the Draft in a draft class that had a stellar rookie season. Inevitably he is getting compared to his peers. And unfortunately he does not compare well.</p><div class=. G/F. Orlando Magic. MARIO HEZONJA

Part of it is Hezonja was not given the same chances as others to make mistakes. The pressure to win in Orlando was great and Hezonja was deficient in key areas to get consistent minutes. Rookie inconsistency was not going to be tolerated as much this time around.

Hezonja’s defense needed a lot of work. And that will be where his future playing time will continue to go up and down. He has to continue learning the American game and understanding the fine points of offense and defense.

But Hezonja showed plenty of flashes too. His jumper is extremely strong and he has great vision. Putting the ball in his hands can produce some very exciting and great results. He can put it all together.

Like any 20 year old, Hezonja is still putting it all together. There were flashes this season and he did not give the contribution the team needed to take the next step, but he showed plenty of signs of growth and progressed nicely as the season went on. That is a good sign moving forward.

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C+

Mario Hezonja has the pressure of being the No. 5 pick in the Draft in a draft class that had a stellar rookie season. Inevitably he is getting compared to his peers. And unfortunately he does not compare well.

Part of it is Hezonja was not given the same chances as others to make mistakes. The pressure to win in Orlando was great and Hezonja was deficient in key areas to get consistent minutes. Rookie inconsistency was not going to be tolerated as much this time around.

Hezonja’s defense needed a lot of work. And that will be where his future playing time will continue to go up and down. He has to continue learning the American game and understanding the fine points of offense and defense.

But Hezonja showed plenty of flashes too. His jumper is extremely strong and he has great vision. Putting the ball in his hands can produce some very exciting and great results. He can put it all together.

Like any 20 year old, Hezonja is still putting it all together. There were flashes this season and he did not give the contribution the team needed to take the next step, but he showed plenty of signs of growth and progressed nicely as the season went on. That is a good sign moving forward.