NBA teams have been waiting for Mario Hezonja to get his chance in Barcelona's lineup, and that chance has finally arrived.
Hezonja played 22 minutes against Olimpia Milano on November 28, including crunch-time minutes. And he delivered, finishing with 13 points and a couple of big buckets.
A few games later, he went for 15 points in 17 minutes against Turow Zgorzelec, and he finished with 12 points on four made threes against Fenerbahce.
These numbers might not seem like a big deal, but when you consider his age (19) and the time he's spent warming Barcelona's bench, the production is significant.
Super Mario is ultimately loaded with upside stemming from his 6'8" size, breathtaking athleticism and ball skills for a 2-guard.
He still has a lot to learn, given how few reps he's seen over the past two years, but in terms of pure, natural talent, there isn't anyone left on the board with as much as Hezonja. And finally, scouts are getting the chance to confirm that notion.
A Hezonja-Andrew Wiggins pairing on the wing could eventually become one of the scariest around.