Orlando Magic Daily
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Orlando Magic Daily Roundtable: What’s left to do

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 22: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the New York Knicks on February 22, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - FEBRUARY 22: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the New York Knicks on February 22, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets
ORLANDO, FL – FEBRUARY 14: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Charlotte Hornets on February 14, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Should Mario Hezonja enter the starting lineup?

Jumani: Absolutely, there is no doubt. Mario Hezonja was playing excellently when all the key rotational players were hurt. He deserves a shot to keep playing big minutes and improving his game, the opportunity he has still not yet received in the NBA until this season. Also, Jonathon Simmons is better off the bench, both statistically and sensically. He just fits better running the second unit, it makes so much sense.

Rossman-Reich: With Jonathan Isaac now back, I think the chance of Mario Hezonja entering the starting lineup is pretty slim. Isaac makes such a clear impact on the floor and is a big part of the team’s future, they have to be willing to invest in him. But excepting that… I think Mario Hezonja in the starting lineup is interesting. Jonathon Simmons has been really inconsistent. And I think most everyone can agree, he works better coming off the bench rather than as a starter. That is probably his ideal role at the end of the day. Hezonja has been really impressive. He is getting better with each game. The team probably does not lose a ton defensively starting him. At the same time, I like seeing what he can do in the second unit when he has the freedom to take shots. A little bit of a longer run with the starters with him is an experiment worth trying.

Henderson: No. Mario Hezonja should not be in the starting lineup when everyone is healthy. But with Evan Fournier out with a knee injury I do not see why not start him for the time Fournier is out. Hezonja has been a huge disappointment the majority of his stint with the Magic and they should look to move him unless he continues to show some sort of upside. Quite frankly we have been looking for this Hezonja to step up to the starting role two years ago and it’s kind of too little too late.