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2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Top 10 Risers And Fallers

By Nathan Grubel

Mar 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) drives on Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) drives on Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (23) drives past Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 26, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (23) drives past Chicago Bulls guard Derrick Rose (1) during the second half of a basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 111-89. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic

Being a top pick in the draft is a tough bill to live up to, especially if you didn’t have a lot of previous exposure in the United States previously.

Mario Hezonja came into the NBA from overseas and while it served him well to have played professional basketball at a young age he was still a relatively unknown talent except for some YouTube videos and coverage from those who study the international game.

Billed as an athletic wing who could shoot and handle the ball, Hezonja was viewed as an attractive draft prospect for those reasons along with his size at 6-foot-8.

Given the want around the league now for versatile wings who can stretch the floor and make plays off the dribble, the Magic drafted Hezonja with the hope that he was the scorer the team needed to take another step into the playoff hunt in the East.

Unfortunately Hezonja spent a good amount of time on coach Scott Skiles‘ bench for most of the season and only recently started getting the playing time the No. 5 pick in the draft warranted from the start. Hezonja’s been up and down over the course of the year but the potential is there at either wing position.

He’ll get more chances next season in Orlando and hopefully he puts the work in over the offseason to earn a starting spot depending on who the next Magic lottery pick is.

Next: That Point Guard In Denver