Nikola Vucevic readies for a big year for the Orlando Magic
Nikola Vucevic is enjoying his offseason by participating in the NBA Africa Game. That does not mean he is not preparing for the big season ahead for him.
In four years, Nikola Vucevic has established himself in the NBA.
A double double is expected from him, as he has done countless times in his three years (almost nightly). He made a serious push for the All-Star team last year in ending up averaging 19.3 points and 10.9 rebounds per game last year. Vucevic has set himself up as a solid offensive option at center.
No one is ready to say Vucevic has hit his ceiling. Or at least that he is what the Magic ultimately need him to be.
As developed as his offense has been — his jump shot and his developed post game makes him a strong offensive player in all facets for a center — his defense needs continued improvement. The league’s tendency for rim-protecting centers demands a little bit more from Vucevic, it seems. That has been what everything calls for.
No matter how things get sliced, Vucevic still has a lot of work to do. And with the Magic setting their expectations higher this year that means more will be asked of every player.
Nikola Vucevic will hit a basketball court publicly for the first time Saturday in the NBA Africa Game. Unlike many of the players, Vucevic does not spend his offseason in and around Orlando. He stays relatively anonymous during the offseason.
He has been watching what the Magic are doing, and he does understand the importance of the upcoming season.
“I think they’re hungry and want to show we’re a better team and we’re improved.” –Nikola Vucevic
“It’s a very important year for us after a couple tough seasons where we haven’t been successful as a team,” Vucevic said. “It’s time for us to turn it around and have a better year. I think the guys have a lot more experience from the past couple years. I think they’re hungry and want to show we’re a better team and we’re improved. I think we can do that. We have the necessary players to do that and I think we have the talent.
“With a new coach, I think guys will want to show themselves even more and prove themselves to him. I think that will help us as well. I am expecting a better season from us. I think it’s time for us to turn it around and keep from having 20-win seasons.”
He said most of his summer so far has been working on his skills generally. He specifically said he was working on becoming more versatile.
The end of last season was spent being paired with Dewayne Dedmon. It was not a perfect fit as Dedmon was not effective anywhere besides near the basket. He developed his jumper well to complement Dedmon, but it did not seem that it was something that is sustainable. The duo had an offensive rating of 96.8 points per 100 possessions. That is not good. Not even with a defensive rating lower than 100 points per 100 possessions.
Defensive versatility and mobility especially are on the order for Vucevic to take the next steps and bump up to that All-Star level he tasted last season.
There are big changes coming to the Magic even if Vucevic remains the same. A new coach with a new philosophy figures to make the Magic better on its own.
Vucevic said he has only spoken to new coach Scott Skiles on the phone after he hired. He has not met him in person yet, but said he looks forward to meeting him at the beginning of training camp in September.
“I’m sure he will help us a lot,” Vucevic said. “He has coached some very good teams and had a great career as a player. I’m sure he knows the game a lot. I’m sure he can help us become a better team.”
Skiles is not going to be able to wave a magic wand and make the team better though. His preparation, scheme and experience should help in the process though.
Still the team’s improvement will be dependent upon players like Nikola Vucevic improving and getting better individually.
For every player on the Magic, this summer is about getting ready for the tall task ahead.