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Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag Vol. 28: New Year’s Resolutions

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 6: Bismack Biyombo #11 of the Orlando Magic with his teammates huddle before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 6, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - JANUARY 6: Bismack Biyombo #11 of the Orlando Magic with his teammates huddle before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on January 6, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers
ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 15: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Portland Trail Blazers on December 15, 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) /

First, let’s start with an old question, but one that feels a bit more relevant now that Mario Hezonja has actually gotten some minutes and is playing a lot better.

Mario Hezonja entered the year simply trying to crack the rotation and prove he was a rotation-caliber player. He clearly struggled his second year, averaging 4.9 points per game and shooting a 42.0 percent effective field goal percentage. It was not encouraging for him as he did not seem to add any value to the team.

Hezonja has turned things around this year. He has earned some trust and a spot in the rotation. He has reclaimed his shooting, making 32.9 percent of his 3-pointers. That is hardly enough to inspire much confidence and probably even to change things for him with this team.

Then again, that decision was made at the beginning of the season. Orlando declined his team option, limiting how much the team could spend on him if it wanted to retain him. And now Hezonja has the option to leave. There is no reason to think Hezonja will not take that option.

I essentially see a zero percent chance Hezonja will be back with the Magic next year. It felt like there was an agreement between Hezonja’s representatives and the Magic to wipe the slate clean, try to find someplace before the season where Hezonja might get more playing time and, if not, let him walk in the offseason.

That is a fair and respectable thing to do.

The fact Hezonja has played well has likely not done anything to change it. It helps Hezonja for sure. He should feel like he can find a place in this league.

The question now is whether the Magic will find that new home for him at the trade deadline. If they can get a second-round pick at the trade deadline for him, I would suspect they will move him for that. Otherwise, he may be a throw in with another deal they are working on.