Hoops Habit
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Ranking The Top NBA Players By Age: Age 21

By Gerald Bourguet

Nov 4, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks to pass the ball in front of Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) during the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) looks to pass the ball in front of Philadelphia 76ers forward Nerlens Noel (4) during the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 2, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (23) dunks the ball over Chicago Bulls guard Mike Dunleavy (34) during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 102-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

12. Mario Hezonja

Mario Hezonja‘s transition to the NBA hasn’t been as instantaneous as his infectious personality suggested it might be, but now that he’s a more regular fixture in Scott Skiles‘ rotation, the Orlando Magic are getting a clearer picture of the rookie they selected fifth overall in the most recent draft.

As his career-high 21 points (on 9-of-17 shooting) in a win over the Chicago Bulls showed, Hezonja is more than capable of lighting it up once he gets going.

On the season, Super Mario is averaging only 5.7 points in 16.3 minutes per game on .420/.340/.909 shooting splits. But his playing time has been on the rise with each passing month, and since the start of February, he’s averaging 7.7 points in 21.0 minutes per game.

His efficiency still needs some work, but Hezonja has the NBA body, athleticism and confidence to improve on both ends of the floor. Once he gets acclimated to the NBA game, his sharpshooting abilities are going to do a lot of good for a Magic team that could certainly use the boost in that area.

Next: No. 11