Nikola Vucevic 2015-16 Statistical Projections

Vucevic’s Passing

According to NBA.com, Nikola Vucevic had 4.6 assist opportunities per game but he created only 2.1 points per game by assist. So often Vucevic’s passes went unrewarded last season.

The Magic shooters blowing potential assists had to have been frustrating to Vucevic, not just because it impacted his numbers — but because when you set a guy up for a shot, you want him to knock it down.

It kind of helps with that whole “winning” notion.

A healthy Evan Fournier, rookie Mario Hezonja and free agent signee C.J. Watson all will go a long way toward making sure Vucevic is more rewarded for his passing out of double teams.

Fournier actually did make teams pay when Vucevic hit him on the perimeter: Fournier shot 51.3 percent off Vucevic feeds and was good for 42 percent of his threes off Vucevic’s looks.

Obviously the Magic cannot expect those figures from all their shooters, but the proof is there Vucevic was creating good looks for his teammates.

Will his assist figures improve?

It is likely. And it will be due to players making shots.

Vucevic has already been passing the ball very well and not forcing much of anything. Eventually, that is rewarded. He has averaged 2.1 assists per game the last two seasons, but this year we are optimistically going to project that figure to 2.5.

It is a healthy improvement to be sure, but it really just requires the Magic knocking down shots and Vucevic being himself.

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