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Pressure Index: Five Orlando Magic players under the most pressure

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Apr 11, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) holds off Milwaukee Bucks guard Rashad Vaughn (20) during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 11, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) holds off Milwaukee Bucks guard Rashad Vaughn (20) during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic
Dec 23, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (23) dunks against the Houston Rockets during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Mario Hezonja

Mario Hezonja faces a unique situation. He is a rookie, and the Orlando Magic believe in him a lot. But he struggled mightily in his rookie season.

From an optics standpoint, it was not a good thing as the 2015 Draft Class may go down as one of the best overall classes in several years. The emergence of Justise Winslow in Miami did not help matters either.

Having that No. 5 overall selection next to his name certainly creates heightened expectations. His 6.1 points per game and 51.3 percent effective field goal percentage provided only a small preview of what the Magic will expect from him.

It may be meaningless, but Hezonja finished 48th among all 60 picks in victories over replacement player, 41st in Box Plus-Minus and 19th in win shares.

There is context to that. Hezonja was not given much opportunity, playing fewer than 20 minutes per game despite 79 appearances. Coach Scott Skiles kept a pretty tight leash on the rookie, and it was evident in his play.

If Hezonja’s sophomore season has any promise it is in Frank Vogel giving him the freedom to play.

The Magic though sold off one of their big lottery picks from this rebuild. The Magic’s strategy to build through the draft requires one of their draft picks hitting. Two years is not long enough to write off Hezonja completely, but the Magic need to see signs Hezonja can take on a larger role with the team.

Hezonja should be given the opportunity to do so this year. He will have to deliver for the Magic to achieve their goals.

Next: Contract year