I wrote a quick column on NBA Draft night about how the Orlando Magic drafting Mario Hezonja from Croatia with the No. 5 pick was a huge error. The main concern was that he was largely unknown by Magic fans, who were – including yours truly – focused on Justise Winslow and Kristaps Porzingis as the saviors of the franchise.
Two days later, after watching a lot of game film on Hezonja, I can now tell you that Hezonja is going to be a star with the Magic.
One of Henzonja’s biggest strengths is his shooting. The man can flat-out shoot the ball, and he will be a tremendous asset to a Magic team that had extreme trouble shooting the ball last season.
Yes, his numbers of 5.7 points, 2.0 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game last season are not impressive to say the least. But Hezonja may be the first international player whose game was primarily built for the NBA, and not for overseas play.
There is a great chance that his contract with FC Barcelona will be bought out as soon as Monday, which would allow him to join the team immediately — another issue with this pick. But if you’re looking for him to play in Summer League with the Magic, don’t bet on it as Orlando will wisely hold him out to keep him fresh for his rookie season.
With Hezonja likely to come aboard soon, this may make the Magic feel much easier about letting Tobias Harris go; and if that happens, Hezonja can slide into the small forward spot and open up breathing room for the Flash Brothers of Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton to do their damage on the court.
Hezonja was an unknown on draft night, but he could wind up being just what the Magic needed.
Kareem Gantt covers the sports world for Rant Sports. For more from this author, follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook, and add him to your network on Google.