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2016-17 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Mario Hezonja

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 27, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (8) shoots as Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) defends at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Magic 131-112. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (8) shoots as Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) defends at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Magic 131-112. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mario Hezonja, orlando magic, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Detroit Pistons
Apr 6, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (23) grabs the rebound from Detroit Pistons guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

2018 Outlook

Mario Hezonja’s time is not running out. At least, it does not appear so.

The Magic picked up his third-year option and are likely to pick up his fourth-year option. He is getting the respect a first round pick usually gets to play those first four years and have the chance for restricted free agency in 2020.

That is to say, Hezonja has to make some major improvements or his run in the NBA could end up pretty short.

At this point, it is unclear what Hezonja’s role for the Magic will be next year. Will the team give him a solid reserve role? Will the team just put him on the trash heap? Will the team simply wash their hands of the young player?

Assuming the Magic keep Hezonja and continue to believe in his development, it is on Hezonja to make those improvements and carve a role for himself. He is going to have to fight for everything this season.

It starts with his shooting. Hezonja has to improve his shooting to stay on the floor. That is his redeeming skill and he has to put the ball in the basket to find any usefulness in the league.

Hezonja is committed to doing the work to take that next step for his career. He said he is planning to skip Eurobasket and stay in Orlando for most of the offseason. His work ethic has never been in question. If he can turn things around, he has the talent and athleticism to make good on all those Lottery promises.

But for Hezonja, he has to prove he is more than potential. He has to produce.