2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Mario Hezonja

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Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic, Phoenix Suns

ORLANDO, FL – MARCH 24: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic goes to the basket 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) /

The Orlando Magic made a difficult decision to let Mario Hezonja enter unrestricted free agency. It was made harder by his strong season.

Coach Frank Vogel seemed constantly impressed with Mario Hezonja and where he had come from at the beginning of the season.

Even though Hezonja was struggling to get into the rotation, the intrigue around the former fifth overall pick always remained. The flashes of talent were intriguing — as was his personality. Everyone seemed to want him to do well. To many, he just needed a chance to show it.

Vogel though was optimistic but still skeptical it seemed. He said at the beginning of the season, even, Hezonja was nearly unplayable. He just was not a NBA player, whether it was because of the after-effects of a knee injury that Hezonja seemingly kept under wraps last season. But Vogel kept speaking highly of Hezonja’s work ethic and his skill. It just seemed like a matter of time.

Hezonja likely will never be fifth overall pick Hezonja. He may never become a future All-Star or someone who would win both the 3-point contest and the dunk contest as Fran Fraschilla said on draft night. That part of his potential is increasingly disappearing.

That is likely why the team made the controversial decision to decline his team option. The beginning of the season did not see much from Hezonja.

If anyone benefited from the injuries to the team and took the opportunity to step up it was Hezonja. As the injuries piled up and Hezonja played and impressed with his development and growth, that decision was one the team clearly should regret.

Hezonja’s strong play through the course of the season forced the Magic to put him in the rotation and keep him a permanent fixture. His shooting proved valuable and he added other elements to his game to keep him in the rotation.

Most importantly, he improved on many of his weaknesses. He became more disciplined defensively and became a valuable player on that end. The Magic regretted that decision to decline his option.

That is not to say Hezonja is more than the reserve role he had. But it showed he could be something more. And made Hezonja one of the few bright spots in a disappointing season.