NBA Draft: Sixers Related Big Board

There is no Mario Hezonja photo in the USA Today database so here’s a generic NBA Draft photo. Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

5. SG/SF Mario Hezonja, Barcelona (6-foot-8, 200 pounds)

Quite possibly the most talented player in the draft, Hezonja has just about everything you look for in a prospect. He has terrific size for either the two or the three. He’s an unbelievable, explosive athlete that looks to dunk everything when he gets into the lane. He’s an elite shooter with a shooting stroke that’s picture-perfect. He has an alpha dog mentality, and an extreme confidence in his game. He’s not without concerns though. He’s, at best, an average ball handler. His confidence can sometimes border on cockiness. If he isn’t the #1 option offensively, will his confidence become a hinderance? Probably most concerning though is his free throw rate, which is one of the worse in the draft. Quite honestly, it’s horrific — in 40 games during ACB player this season, Hezonja is averaging 0.8 free throw attempts per 40 minutes. With his athleticism and first step, he shouldn’t have a problem getting into the lane and drawing fouls even with his subpar ball handling.

Hezonja has massive potential, but he’s the most “boom-or-bust” prospect in the draft. It really wouldn’t be that surprising if he falls in love with his jumper and never improves his free throw rate/ball handling, or if his cockiness and pride prevents him from accepting a non-star role in the league. For me though, his talent is worth the risk.

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