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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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3. Nikola Vucevic

Apr 10, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) shoots the ball over Toronto Raptors forward Tyler Hansbrough (50) during the second half at Amway Center. Toronto Raptors defeated the Orlando Magic 101-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 10, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) shoots the ball over Toronto Raptors forward Tyler Hansbrough (50) during the second half at Amway Center. Toronto Raptors defeated the Orlando Magic 101-99. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Nikola Vucevic averaged 19.3 points and 10.9 rebounds per game this season and is indisputably bested by only two Magic centers in history.

But maybe bestowing only praise on Vucevic is misguided here: How can he become better than the top two centers in Magic history? Is there any way Vucevic can become that kind of talent?

First off, Vucevic needs to work more with his establishment of low post position. He needs to command the ball on the block, and be decisive.  He has already shown he can step out to hit the jumper. He has shown he can function well both popping on pick and rolls and in rolling to the basket.

But he has not become a dominant force on the block, nor does he pass well out of double teams always.

Vucevic did better about making quick decisions passing when doubles came, but the Magic also did not do him any favors with floor spacing, nor with hitting the shots his passing provided them.

Accordingly, Vucevic finished with two assists per game and two turnovers per game. In time, those figures will rise with a more proficient Magic offense, but in the meantime he needs to work on playing his size.

Vucevic is uniquely gifted with very soft touch, and if he establishes lower position he is going to get better looks — it is that simple, actually.

Can he become better than these last two guys? It is pretty doubtful, but he certainly shoots the basketball better than both, for whatever that is worth.

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