Orlando Magic Playbook: Nikola Vucevic’s passing makes him unique big man
Nikola Vucevic is one of the most unique big men in the league because of his shooting ability. But his passing adds an extra element to his game.
As the Orlando Magic’s season comes to a close, every skill each player on the roster has is under the microscope. Everyone anticipates some major change to the team this year with a change in the front office. Even without that, the team’s disappointing record is going to necessitate a close look at each player and what they bring to the team.
Nikola Vucevic has spent a lot of his career with the Magic in these crosshairs.
His offensive acumen and jump shooting have separated him from a lot of centers — or at least it did before everyone went small. And it is always difficult to find a center who is both able to step out and hit jumpers and record a double-double.
Vucevic has had to adjust as much as any player this year. He is averaging 14.7 points per game and shooting 47.0 percent from the floor, his worst in a Magic uniform. Vucevic has had to fight for playing time and space with Serge Ibaka on the floor with him. On top of that, he has had his starting spot threatened at various points.
Like a lot of players since the All-Star Break, Vucevic has benefited from having more space. Playing next to a stretch-4 (or something adjacent, like Aaron Gordon) has helped Vucevic get open jumpers and set him up with more space in the post. He is back to averaging 17.7 points per game and 11.5 rebounds per game after the All-Star Break. His field goal percentage still lags, but Vucevic is at least producing a little bit more statistically.
Vucevic still has to make his mark, though. And recently he has done so with his passing even as he struggles to make shots.
He is still averaging a pretty meager 2.8 assists per game, same as last year. But for a center that is actually really solid. Among centers, according to NBA.com, his 2.8 assists per game are fifth. Only four centers are among the top-50 in the league in assists — DeMarcus Cousins, Al Horford, Mason Plumlee and Marc Gasol.
Among centers, Vucevic is an adept passer. And he proved that in a recent game against the Charlotte Hornets with a career-high eight assists. He followed that up with a six-assist effort against the Detroit Pistons.
Since then his assists have fallen back to one or two per game. That is about what anyone can expect for a center.
The question for the Magic as they begin to evaluate and re-evaluate Vucevic and his skills is just where does his passing fit in and how best does the team use it?