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Where does Nikola Vucevic rank among All-Time Magic Centers?

By Brett David Roberts

Apr 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) falls during an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Orlando Magic beat the Chicago Bulls 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) falls during an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Orlando Magic beat the Chicago Bulls 105-103. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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9. Tree Rollins

ORLANDO, FL - 1994: Tree Rollins #30 and Shaquille O'Neal #32 of the Orlando Magic pose for a photo during a game played circa 1994 at Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1994 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL – 1994: Tree Rollins #30 and Shaquille O’Neal #32 of the Orlando Magic pose for a photo during a game played circa 1994 at Orlando Arena in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1994 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Tree Rollins has the distinction of being the only player-coach in Orlando Magic history, and really he did little more than provide spot minutes behind Shaquille O’Neal during the team’s glory years. But Rollins was a unique presence because he really was what his name said he was, a 7-foot-1 “Tree.”

When O’Neal hit the bench, the Magic could counter with another legitimate giant off the bench who could provide resistance against prevalent big men in the 90s.

Rollins was not a big-stat guy. In his 17 NBA seasons, he averaged just 5.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game.  But Rollins at one point led the NBA in blocks with 4.3 per game and was true serviceable center during a tough physical era.

Tree Rollins may get a bit of a sentimental nod at No. 9 over a number of other serviceable Magic centers (e.g., Michael Doleac or John Amaechi), but he was a unique player whose legend mostly persisted because he was durable and good—not because he was dominant.  But when you take a 7’1″ 300 pound man child off the court, why not replace him with a Tree?

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