NBA Draft 2024: 10 biggest lottery "busts" from the past 10 years

4. Mario Hezonja – Orlando Magic (2015: Pick 5)

Before his time in the NBA, Hezonja actually played with the FC Barcelona in the EuroLeague starting back in 2012. His potential as an NBA prospect was surmised during much of his stint in Spain, though he finally declared for the NBA Draft in 2015. The Croatia native was a strong small forward with the makings of a solid NBA piece and potential lottery pick and that’s exactly where he was drafted.

The Croatian forward went to the Orlando Magic with the fifth pick in 2015. There’s always a risk with international prospects and Hezonja unfortunately didn’t live up to his billing. He averaged just 6.9 points a game across three seasons with the Magic before having a mediocre fourth season as a part-time starter for the New York Knicks. Hezonja never averaged double-figures, wasn’t a great rebounder, and didn’t see the NBA again after his fifth season.

Hezonja was certainly the least productive lottery pick from the 2015 NBA Draft, making it even more painful for a Magic franchise that hasn’t been at its best in recent years. Devon Booker was the most notable name taken later in the first round, though the Magic also could’ve taken productive players like Myles Turner or Kelly Oubre Jr. Hezonja is back playing basketball out in Spain and is another unfortunate case of just not finding his way in the NBA.