Where does Nikola Vucevic rank among Eastern Conference centers
By Sam Skubala
The Defensive Conundrum
For all of the superlatives that can and should be thrown at Vucevic for his offensive prowess, his work on the defensive end does leave a lot to be desired.
Despite getting a career-high six blocks in the Magic’s overtime loss to the Charlotte Hornets on January 22, opponents shoot a scorching 53 percent at the rim against the big-man, a figure much worse than those put up by rivals such as Lopez (45.8 percent), Gasol (44.4 percent), or Marcin Gortat of the Washington Wizards (48.3 percent).
Neither is Vucevic a terrific shot blocker, unable to intimidate opposing guards at the rim — unlike the Miami Heat’s Hassan Whiteside, who is averaging just shy of four blocks per game.
That said, perhaps Vucevic’s worst struggles come in the pick-and-roll, where his slow foot speed makes him a sitting duck.
Should he back off into the paint he gives up an open jumper. However, should he come out to challenge the guard, he can risk giving up an open layup. Neither option is particularly attractive, and it is up to coach Scott Skiles to gameplan around his center’s weaknesses.
That does not bode well for Vucevic in climbing the rankings of Eastern centers. It leaves unclear what his place is among this group.
Next: The verdict