5 Unanswered questions from the 2017-18 Orlando Magic season

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 04: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets goes after a loose ball against Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic during their game at Spectrum Center on December 4, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 04: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets goes after a loose ball against Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic during their game at Spectrum Center on December 4, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns
ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 24: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic passes the ball against the Phoenix Suns on March 24, 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) /

Can the Orlando Magic create minutes to keep Mario Hezonja?

The Orlando Magic should not be in the business of letting young, cost-controlled players leave for absolutely nothing. The plain fact is the Magic are in the absolute worst position a team could be in. The team has few future assets, little financial flexibility and few wins to show for it.

The decision to decline Mario Hezonja’s team option was an odd one for that reason. Yes, Mario Hezonja barely looked like a NBA player to that point — even coach Frank Vogel would admit so. The Magic essentially declined the option because they saw no possible use for Hezonja and no hope that he would become a usable player.

For Hezonja, the Magic’s bevy of injuries proved to be a godsend. It very well may have saved his career. And Hezonja took advantage of the opportunity he was given.

It started with an incredible 28-point performance against the Detroit Pistons where he made 8 of 12 3-pointers. He seemed not to look back from there. He was a part of the rotation from that point forward and earned every minute he got on the floor.

Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

Hezonja finally started hitting shots and that earned him minutes. He looked better and better defensively — not perfect, by any stretch, but playable. And slowly but surely the athleticism and vision that made him the fifth overall pick in 2015 began to show up.

Hezonja did not have the consistency to be considered a starter. He still has a tendency to take bad shots and play like he has a bigger role than he has. Hezonja still commits his share of turnovers and roams a bit too much defensively, trying to dart for steals. But those flaws were far less pronounced. He did more good than bad.

Hezonja finished averaging 9.6 points per game and hitting on 33.7 percent of his 3-pointers. For a player that came into the league with a supposed NBA-ready 3-point shot, that percentage is still not encouraging.

What is encouraging is what happened when he got minutes and some freedom to play.

In 25 games playing 28 minutes or more, Hezonja averaged 15.4 points per game and made 46.3 percent of his shots and 37.9 percent from beyond the arc for a 54.4 percent effective field goal percentage. Maybe that is not enough evidence to start him full time. But it certainly suggests if he has the time he will produce.

Hezonja has expressed he would like to remain in Orlando. But at this point, it will come down to money and playing time. Hezonja said the most important thing for him in free agency is playing time.

So how do the Magic create time for him?

Vogel made time for him mostly at power forward — 58 percent of his minutes, according to Basketball-Reference — and that worked thanks to Jonathan Isaac’s injury. Terrence Ross’ injury freed up some time. His play forced Vogel to play him throughout his rotation.

So where does that leave him when the team is healthy? The Magic likely will have made a few moves before free agency starts. That might help convince Hezonja to play or carve out a role for him. The Magic will offer what they can offer. But playing time matters more.

Next: Orlando Magic Fourth Quarter MVP: D.J. Augustin

Acquiring and keeping young players matters for this team right now. And losing Hezonja would not be a killer mistake, but it would hurt.