NBA: Projecting Top 2015-16 Rookie Of The Year Threats

By Jake Hyman | Jul 3, 2015

Jun 25, 2015; Brooklyn, NY, USA; D'Angelo Russell (Ohio State) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number two overall pick to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2015 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

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5. SG/SF Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic

2014-15 European Stats: 5.8 ppg. 2.0 apg. 1.2 apg. per 15.4 mpg.

2015-16 Projected NBA Stats: 11.2 ppg. 4.3 rpg. 2.1 apg. 41% FG 34% 3PFG

Looking for a sleeper pick to snatch up the award? The Croatian sensation Mario Hezonja enters a promising scenario in Orlando playing with other brimming talent for a new head coach in Scott Skiles. Assuming Tobias Harris leaves for a contender, that small forward spot is wide open for Hezonja to occupy at the start of the season.

Don’t get wary of the less than stellar statistics overseas. Hezonja sparingly played in a heavy rotation and his game plays effectively in an up-tempo NBA. Heralded for one of the best shooting strokes in the rookie class, Hezonja gives Orlando a lethal threat from the outside that they haven’t featured in recent years.

Mario Hezonja made 43% of his catch and shoot jumpers, 40% of his pull ups, and 62% finishing at rim this season. Complete package as scorer
— Synergy Basketball (@SynergySST) June 26, 2015

The 19-year-old plays with poise and confidence necessary to put up considerable numbers from the start. Hezonja also will add in a couple of top 10 plays throughout the season as well. He’s an enigma worth watching.

Next: A New Day With Mudiay