Orlando Magic Power Rankings Roundup: Signs of life, even in death
Jeremy Woo, Sports Illustrated
. (59-14). Previous: . Golden State Warriors. 1. team. 41
24. team. 86. . (28-44). Previous: . Minnesota Timberwolves
25. team. 38. . (27-46). Previous: . Orlando Magic
"The Magic are now trying Mario Hezonja, a wing his entire career at power forward to try and kick-start him. And hey, this is the time to try it…"
Philadelphia 76ers. 26. team. 93. . (27-46). Previous:
The Orlando Magic are at the point of the season where they should be trying to experiment with something. They do not have a lot of young players off their bench they need to get experience. . . except for Mario Hezonja.
The former fifth overall pick has had a lot of trouble finding his place in the NBA or finding his fit. Part of that is the Magic’s somewhat mismanagement of his development and lack of commitment to helping him progress. Part of that too is his inability to produce on the floor.
Orlando seems determined to try anything to get Hezonja to work. Hence the Jeff Green injury opened the door for Hezonja to get some more playing time at the odd power forward position.
Where Scott Skiles and the Magic initially viewed Hezonja as more of a guard, Frank Vogel has had to come to the reality that he may not have the quickness to defend wing players and may be better suited for playing the stretch-4s that permeate the league.
There has at least been some success. Hezonja has looked a better fit and has displayed some great passing ability, his best NBA skill at this point. He just has to make a shot.