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NBA: Post-Summer League Rookie Of The Year Standings

By Ezra Siegel

Jul 10, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots against the defense of Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Upshaw (12) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Minnesota won the game 81-68. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Karl-Anthony Towns (32) shoots against the defense of Los Angeles Lakers center Robert Upshaw (12) during an NBA Summer League game at Thomas & Mack Center. Minnesota won the game 81-68. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Dario Saric (Croatia) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number twelve overall pick to the Orlando Magic in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 26, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Dario Saric (Croatia) shakes hands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the number twelve overall pick to the Orlando Magic in the 2014 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Mario Hezonja – Orlando Magic

Hezonja has as much star potential as anyone in the 2015 NBA Draft class, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he shot up this list quickly upon the NBA season’s arrival.

The Magics’ No. 5 overall pick only played two games at the Orlando Summer League, but he showed why scouts were so high on his potential leading up to the draft with jaw dropping dunks and a pure looking shot – including a game-winning three in his NBA debut. His shooting numbers at 38 percent from the field and 29 percent from downtown weren’t ideal, but he showed a killer instinct as he drove hard to the rim and didn’t hesitate to shoot open looks.

While the Croatian phenom is an electrifying player and is relatively NBA-ready, his biggest obstacle in the Rookie of the Year race may be his team’s depth.

Whether he plays the forward or guard spot, Hezonja will be competing with several young studs for minutes, including Victor Oladipo, Tobias Harris, Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier. The Magic will be looking to develop all of their young prospects, and while they have an outside chance of a playoff spot this season, they will likely have a relatively even minutes distribution.

With his explosive athleticism and alpha-dog attitude, Hezonja should become a crowd favorite in Orlando right away. If he can separate himself from Orlando’s crowded pack of promising prospects, he will be top-tier option for Rookie of the Year honors.

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