The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Sixers: Top 5 free agents in the Southeast Division

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat watches his shot in the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game Two of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoff at Wells Fargo Center on April 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Heat defeated the 76ers 113-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - APRIL 16: Dwyane Wade #3 of the Miami Heat watches his shot in the third quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers during Game Two of the first round of the 2018 NBA Playoff at Wells Fargo Center on April 16, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Heat defeated the 76ers 113-103. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

No. 3: Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic

Hezonja, after two difficult seasons, finally showed positive flashes in his third campaign with the Magic. He now enters unrestricted free agency as one of the most intriguing young players on the market.

Strengths

The former No. 5 pick still has the same attributes that made that made him such a hot commodity in Barcelona. He’s 6-foot-8, athletic and can score at all three levels, fitting a valuable archetype in the modern NBA.

Some of Hezonja’s best moments last season came at power forward, where his ability to hit spot-up threes and attack closeouts generated plenty of mismatches. It opened up his game, allowing him to leverage his playmaking chops in a way he couldn’t at shooting guard.

Given his size and athleticism, he brings some versatility to the defensive end as well.

Weaknesses

Consistency, both with his shot and overall play, has been an issue for Hezonja at the NBA level. Last season was his first season (or partial season) of reliable production, but even then he shot just 33.7 percent from deep. His frame isn’t made for full-time power forward minutes either.

Fit

Hezonja, for a reasonable price — and preferably a short-term deal — would make sense in the Sixers’ second unit. He’d get plenty of open looks next to Simmons and Joel Embiid, while his ability to put the ball on the floor is something Brett Brown’s offense lacked last season.