Sep 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward
Mario Hezonja(23) poses for a photo for media day at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mario Hezonja (SF, Orlando Magic)
The Orlando Magic came away from the draft with a true difference maker this year in the form of Croatian shooting guard, Mario Hezonja. Hezonja played professionally in the EuroLeague for Barcelona. Because of this background, he brings something to the Magic that most other rookies are unable to provide: experience.
“Super Mario,” as he has been called during his three-year professional stint overseas, joins a relatively young and developing Orlando Magic team. He’ll likely be thrusted into either the starting rotation, or the role of 6th man early on in the year. Orlando’s current wing rotation features Victor Oladipo, Evan Fournier, and Tobias Harris. Oladipo is an undersized defensive-minded two, who occasionally transitions to the point with some success.
Fournier is the team’s marksman from beyond the arc, and typically is limited to playing the two. Harris is a bigger wing whose rebounding specialties often lead the Magic to run him as a 4 as well.
This means the Magic don’t really have anyone who can do what Hezonja does. He’s an offensively gifted scorer, with excellent athleticism, and a knack for playmaking. His ability to play either wing position with great success means he’ll see his fair share of playing time in the coming season. The Eastern Conference is as weak as ever, and theres a chance we may not see teams like the Celtics and Nets reach the playoffs this season.
That means theres an opportunity for a young team like the Magic to sneak their way in to the playoffs with a lower seed. While they likely won’t make it beyond the first round, they have a chance to gain valuable experience as many of their players will have their very first playoff appearance.
Mario Hezonja is one of several young talents whose success this season will be imperative to the team’s success. The fact of the matter is he’ll have ample opportunity to shine and though he’s bound to struggle early on as he adjusts to the NBA style, he’s a gifted scorer which tends to translate well regardless of where the player comes from.
Next: Philly's Healthy Big Man