Orlando Magic Daily
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What each Orlando Magic player should work on during the summer

By Ryan Doyle

Jan 20, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon (13) during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 112-96. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 20, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) shoots over Milwaukee Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon (13) during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 112-96. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic, Toronto Raptors
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 /

Mario Hezonja

Much like Gordon, Mario Hezonja has the potential to become a special player. With his recent struggles, this is the most crucial offseason of Hezonja’s career.

Heading into his third season, Hezonja desperately needs to find a role. Whether it be as an offensive spark coming off the bench or as a consistent outside shooting threat, he needs to get on the floor.

The most attainable goal for Hezonja to set this offseason is to find his shooting stroke.

Coming out of Croatia, Hezonja was said to have a pure shooting motion that could easily translate to the NBA. Sadly, that has not been the case as Hezonja is only a career 32.7 percent shooter from behind the arc.

If Hezonja wants consistent minutes next season, he needs to shoot well from behind the arc. That is his easiest ticket onto the court. He could easily become the Magic’s best 3-point threat and be a mismatch coming off the bench.

Hezonja seems to recognize this too. He said he plans to skip international play this summer, opting to spend most of the summer in Orlando working on his individual skills.

There should not be much hope that Hezonja is going to take a leap where he pushes for major minutes this offseason. The focus should be on him carving out a role in the offense so he can gain confidence.