Fansided

The most surprising player from each NBA team this season

By Connor Learn

Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) is in today's DraftKings daily picks. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports
Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) is in today's DraftKings daily picks. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (8) brings the ball down court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets at Amway Center.The Hornets won 120-101. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (8) brings the ball down court during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets at Amway Center.The Hornets won 120-101. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Orlando Magic: Mario Hezonja

The Orlando Magic organization knew they would have to be patient with Mario Hezonja. The 6-foot-8 wing was only 20 when they brought him over from Barcelona last season. He had enough upside to be taken fifth overall in the draft, but still has parts of his game to figure out on the NBA level. When Scott Skiles determined Hezonja wasn’t ready last season and played him sparingly, it wasn’t a shock.

Year two should have represented a step forward in Mario Hezonja’s development. Skiles left Orlando in the offseason and was replaced by former Pacers coach Frank Vogel. Vogel had been instrumental in the development of Paul George and Lance Stephenson, but the jury is out on his results with Hezonja. Now midway through his second season, Hezonja is averaging only 9.9 minutes per night and is shooting below 30 percent on 3-pointers. He’s already received 17 DNP-coach’s decision.

There hasn’t necessarily been a complete lack of opportunity for Hezonja this season. The likely lottery-bound Magic have endured injuries to shooting guard Evan Fournier for 13 games so far this season. During his absence, they elected to replace him with the likes of Jeff Green, DJ Augustin, and C.J. Watson for extended runs instead of Hezonja. It’s likely because he has played so poorly when he has seen the floor. He could still yet come along, but Magic fans would like to see results sooner rather than later.

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