The Orlando Magic are going to be improved this season, and Mario Hezonja may just be the reason why.
The Orlando Magic were a busy organization this summer, bringing in a number of new faces. In fact, they only returned six players from last season’s disappointing campaign.
Which is why Mario Hezonja has not received much attention this offseason. Given that the team added Serge Ibaka and Bismack Biyombo, not to mention a new head coach in Frank Vogel, it’s easy to see why this was the case.
Hezonja was also buried on the bench as a rookie as a result of the restrictions placed on him by former head coach Scott Skiles.
In fact, he only averaged a shade less than 18 minutes a night, putting him 10th (out of the 17 qualifying players) in how much court time he saw last year for the Magic.
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Clearly then he is still a relatively unknown quantity in the NBA, but those who have overlooked him would be wise to pay attention to him this year.
Speaking to HoopsHabit, Hezonja is excited for this coming season, while also expressing caution and understanding about the fact that this team is still figuring a lot of things out.
"“We lost too many games (last season) but we are working on improving things. I said at media day that it’s going to take time because there’s too many new guys here. But we will work it out.”"
Although there is much talk about how Vogel will divide up the minutes, that influx of new faces will take time to gel on the court.
Luckily for the Magic, they have a relatively straightforward schedule to start the year, before the tougher games and longer road trips come about later in the season.
According to Hezonja:
"“It’s all a process. We have to help Frank (Vogel) too. Everybody adapts for the first game and it’s not going to be perfect for that first game, but we have to go week by week, month by month.”"
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On a more personal level, the departure of Victor Oladipo does in theory open up more minutes for Hezonja to hopefully receive.
The addition of Jeff Green however, albeit on a one year deal, makes that eventuality less certain.
Regardless of how he begins the season though, Hezonja seems aware of the areas of his game that need work.
He was drafted with a reputation as an offensively gifted player, with his defensive abilities receiving less acclaim.
As a rookie, he had a defensive plus/minus score of minus-0.9. A number that should see improvement under the defensive minded Vogel.
His length (Hezonja is listed at 6-foot-8) and speed mean he is capable of at least staying in front of his man across multiple positions on the court.
This commitment to improving the defensive side of his game coupled with a new head coach and his own versatility may be the key to extended floor time.
"“I’m really trying to work on it (defensive play). Last year, pretty much all of that stuff I was not used to doing, all of the small details, to get those deflections, steals and push the pace.“I know everybody was trying to say that last year my positioning could have been better, and I agree. I’m open to all critics, because it’s going to make me better.”"
Frank Vogel on Mario Hezonja's defense: "He's got some ways to go". Oh boy.
— Hrvoje Vujanić (@VujaKralj) October 1, 2016
With an attitude like that to becoming a better defender, Hezonja may raise eyebrows early in the year with a more complete two way game.
Most observers feel that this team can be a top 10 defensive outfit once the real games begin, and this is a sentiment that Hezonja is also confident about.
The fact that he feels he can contribute to the team’s success on that end, is something that will be music to the ears of Magic fans as they attempt to get back in the playoff discussion.
"“We have elite shot blockers on the team, elite defenders. We are too long, too big and strong, to not be guarding our guys. We believe in that (being a top five defensive team).”"
While this is all well and good for Hezonja to speak about, his natural style of play is to be an exciting attacking player. Averages of 6.1 points and 1.4 assists last season were modest.
But there were flashes (when he was allowed see some extended time on the court) that Hezonja could be a real handful for opponents.
He’s comfortable with the ball in hand, and creating his own shot is something he has shown a willingness to do also.
He averaged 35 percent from three-point territory, a fantastic number for a 20-year-old kid running more on energy and enthusiasm than guile and experience.
An uptick in minutes will surely lead to beefier offensive numbers, but Hezonja isn’t taking that for granted either.
He sees year two and a change in head coach as reason to work harder not just on the defensive end, but also offensively where he has made his living to date.
"“I still have to work on my quick release, because guys are getting too close to me. I have to work on that still.”"
As the Orlando Magic gear up for another 82-game slog and what they hope will be a return to the postseason, the attitude or Mario Hezonja reflects the better position this team is now in.
He endured a rough rookie season from a personal standpoint, but he also watched as his team collapsed horribly after Christmas (after a promising start, the Magic went 6-16 between Dec. 28 and Feb. 10 to crash out of playoff contention).
Any potential hangover from that 2015-16 campaign that flatlined on them was eradicated with a roster overhaul and a sense of accountability and knowing where mistakes were made that Hezonja shows.
He may not start on opening night, and in fact he may not become a full-time starter this season. But there’s something special about Hezonja, always has been.
Now he’s armed with a better understanding of his defensive capabilities, and a willingness to become a better offensive player.
Next: 15 Young Players In Need Of Breakout Seasons In 2016-17
Don’t say you weren’t warned.