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Orlando Magic Daily Roundtable: Training Days

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 25: Aaron Gordon #00 Bismack Biyombo #11 Jonathon Simmons #17 and Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic pose for a portrait during NBA Media Day on September 25, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - SEPTEMBER 25: Aaron Gordon #00 Bismack Biyombo #11 Jonathon Simmons #17 and Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic pose for a portrait during NBA Media Day on September 25, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic, Brooklyn Nets
BROOKLYN, NY – APRIL 1: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets during the game on April 1, 2017 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Who has the most to prove for the Magic in the preseason?

Scricca: Mario Hezonja is fighting for his NBA career right now. He may be more hard-pressed to receive minutes during the regular season, so he will need to show something in preseason. If he can provide some modicum of consistency on both ends, he could be a valuable rotation piece for this team with his shooting. And if he does that, he should receive consistent minutes, which may also help his development. But he will need to show out in the preseason first.

Jumani: *sigh* Mario Hezonja. As Ricky said, he is literally fighting for his NBA career right now. His team option for the 2019 season has not been picked up (eds. note: the Magic have until Oct. 31 to pick up that option). If he has another disappointing season, it will be a very disastrous end to Hezonja’s Magic career. It pains me to imagine that scenario. Hopefull, his improved defense gets him minutes on the court.

Palmer: Unfortunate as it may be, the answer is definitely Mario Hezonja. The sad reality for Hezonja is that a poor preseason could ultimately mean an end to his short NBA career. Frank Vogel has been known to favor veterans and be stingy with his rotations in the past. Hezonja will need to prove his poor play and injuries are behind him or the ghost of Arron Afflalo’s past may take his spot in the rotation.

Rossman-Reich: Mario Hezonja has the most to prove in the preseason. He may not get much playing time outside of the preseason. He is the one player who has the talent to crack the rotation and do much more, but has not proven it in the league quite yet. If he wants a role on this team — and a place in this league — he has to impress in practice and have that translate to the games. He has to show up and prove he can contribute on the rotation. It does not help that he is working his way back from a knee injury that limited him all of last season. Hezonja has to make an impression in the next few weeks.

Next: Orlando Magic hope to turn defense into strength

What do you think? Give us your answer to our roundtable questions in the comments below! You can always connect with us on Twitter @omagicdaily.