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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
Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (8) brings the ball down court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets at Amway Center.The Hornets won 120-101. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Final Grade

. G/F. Orlando Magic. MARIO HEZONJA. F

There is no way around it, Mario Hezonja had a very bad season. His shooting betrayed him and he could not provide even quality bench minutes for the team this year.

That might be a bit harsh for a young player. Especially one who got pulled out of the rotation and saw his minutes become inconsistent. It is tough to find a rhythm.

But it was not like coach Frank Vogel did not give him a chance early in the season. his poor start to the season never truly subsided. And a player who was drafted for his shooting, simply could not shoot.

As much as anything, that is what has to change for Hezonja to make it with the Magic.

This was the simple role the Magic had designed for him this year. And it was the role he could not perform regularly for this team.

It came to the point where the Magic could not rely on Hezonja. He did not develop or take the next step for his career.

He made improvements for sure. He is a better player in some areas than he was as a rookie. But that one skill that seemingly would separate him from everyone else got lost somehow. And that is the thing Hezonja has to find this summer.

Next: 2016-17 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Damjan Rudez

This was a bad year for Hezonja. There is no way around it.