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Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Nikola Vucevic

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Apr 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) boxes out Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) during the second half at Amway Center. The Magic won 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) boxes out Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) during the second half at Amway Center. The Magic won 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic, Golden State Warriors
Nov 26, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) grabs a rebound as the Golden State Warriors beat the Magic 111-96 at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports /

Nikola Vucevic started his season off on the highest note — a new, rich contract. Vucevic showed what he could do on offense. Defense was the struggle.

Nikola Vucevic’s year started off pretty good.

Just before the season began, Vucevic signed a four-year, $52-million contract extension, getting some long-term security and becoming the first big piece oft he Magic rebuild Rob Hennigan locked to a major long-term deal.

Orlando sent a clear message rewarding Vucevic for what he had done his first two years in a Magic uniform and the promise he would provide in the future. Unlike after losing Shaquille O’Neal, the Magic appeared quickly to find their replacement at center. No journeymen would fill that void.

And in the season after receiving that security, Vucevic continued to deliver a rock steady performance. If not for Orlando’s overall record, he might have been a NBA All Star.

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    • Vucevic spent his third season in a Magic uniform being a consistent double double machine. He expanded his offensive game by extending his range. He showed a lot more confidence offensively. Defensively, Vucevic still had room for improvement.

    The season was good for Vucevic both because he showed improvement offensively, making the contract extension he signed seem completely worth it. But it also showed his weaknesses where he still needs to work, reminding everyone he still has a ways to go. He is not a finished product by any means.

    Vucevic could quickly become a flashpoint for Magic fans.

    He proved he is a good NBA center. Scott Skiles in interviews earlier this week said Vucevic is a valuable offensive player and his rebounding gives the Magic a unique player. Vucevic is a solid starter.

    What remains the question is whether the Magic could ultimately compete at a high level with Vucevic as their center. He struggled mightily defensively and Skiles mentioned that too. He will have to learn positioning to improve, but he will never be a “four blocks per game” guy. No one should even expect that.

    It may be putting the cart before the horse, but Vucevic ran the gamut of emotions throughout his 2015 season.

    Next: The Good and The Bad