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Film Room: Mario Hezonja's Strengths and Areas to Improve (2/4/16)

Josh Cohen
Digital News Manager

By Josh CohenFeb. 4, 2016

Strength: Shooting Range

Mario Hezonja shoots a higher percentage from 25-29 feet out (40 percent) than he does from 20-24 feet (37.5 percent). He has outstanding shooting form and a very quick release. As a result of his length, Hezonja can shoot over the reach of nearly all of his defenders. WATCH:

Strength: Playing in Transition

Hezonja ranks No. 1 on the Magic in taking advantage of opponent turnovers. Nearly 23 percent of his points come after Orlando forces a turnover. Hezonja also ranks No. 2 on the team in capitalizing on fast break opportunities (17 percent of his points). He’s excellent at speeding up the tempo and finishing in transition. WATCH:

Strength: Court Vision and Awareness

Hezonja has the tools to evolve into a terrific pick-and-roll finisher and distributor. He reads defenses well and is excellent slipping bounce passes in the lane to teammates gliding to the basket. Hezonja also has above average body control and finds open spots to create scoring opportunities. While he doesn't have the best ball handling skills, Hezonja is very comfortable dribbling through and around traffic. He shoots the same percentage (47 percent) when no dribbles precede a shot and when 3-6 dribbles precede a shot. WATCH:

Area to Improve: Defensive Resistance

Opponents guarded by Hezonja are shooting 46.2 percent from the field (3.6 percent higher than their season averages). He has a tendency to play to the side of an opponent rather than straight up and his footwork and balance isn’t firm when he gets hit with a hard screen. Hezonja doesn’t yet have the muscle to keep post-up players out of the lane. WATCH:

Area to Improve: Initiating Contact

As he develops and gains more confidence, Hezonja will have an array of offensive options. However, as it is with nearly all of the Magic’s players, Hezonja needs to learn how to initiate and absorb contact. He doesn’t yet have a pump fake to get defenders up in the air and he tends to drift away from contact on his drives to the rim. Considering he can light it up from 3-point range and with his blend of length and speed, Hezonja can transform into an elite offensive player if he frequently gets to the free throw line. WATCH: