Nikola Vucevic still fits in the Orlando Magic’s new plan

With great turnover on the Orlando Magic roster, some predicted Nikola Vucevic would come next. On the contrary, his role may be more important than ever.

While this offseason for the Orlando Magic centered around a total revamp of their front court, the intentions of the moves they made may not be as obvious. Many have assumed with Serge Ibaka and Bismack Biyombo in tow, the end was near in Orlando for Nikola Vucevic.

Yet, here things stand just a few months away from training camp and there are no signs that Vucevic is on his way out of town. Indeed, the assertion from some that Orlando would be compelled to part with their leading scorer from the past two seasons seems like an overreaction at this juncture.

Instead, the Magic need Vucevic now more than ever as a result of this topsy-turvy summer. One of the main reasons they cannot afford to part with him is that scoring punch he provides.

Everyone knows what Ibaka and Biyombo offer from a defensive standpoint. Most find it without question Orlando’s defense will be significantly better with that pair protecting the rim and new head coach Frank Vogel roaming the sidelines.

There is no shortage of questions however about what that duo offers on the offensive end of the floor.

Ibaka’s touches have been limited as he took a back seat to two superstars in Oklahoma City. He has averaged more than 15 points per game just once in his career and has never had a usage rate greater than 20 percent.

Biyombo has shown little ability to put up points in his NBA career. He had a break out season in Toronto but still averaged only 5.5 points per game, upping his rebounds to 8.0 per game largely off the bench. Biyombo’s salary was certainly earned in the playoffs.

Then, add in the fact the Magic traded one of their main offensive weapons, Victor Oladipo, to nab Ibaka, and the scoring problems become even more confounding.

Outside of perhaps Evan Fournier, Orlando’s only proven high-level offensive performer currently on the roster is Nikola Vucevic. That makes him almost invaluable assuming it would be hard to net equal value for his services via trade.

The Magic have always been about increasing the versatility of the roster under general manager Rob Hennigan. They furthered that mission this offseason by adding rim protectors (Ibaka, Biyombo), complimentary scorers (Jeff Green, Jodie Meeks) and depth at point guard (D.J. Augustin).

Vucevic should not be a casualty to that improved versatility, but a catalyst to keeping a diverse group on the floor at all times. The ability to mix and match in the front court that Orlando currently has with the three aforementioned players and Aaron Gordon is a unique commodity.

It remains to be seen whether the roster the Magic have compiled can actually become a better team. One could make the case they should have kept Oladipo, their 11th overall pick and Tobias Harris while still signing a high-priced free agent or waiting for a better trade market to emerge than at February’s deadline or even on Draft night.

That is not the route they chose however. They have opted for a “strength in numbers” path.

With a deep rotation, Orlando is betting it can outlast some of the teams that are more top-heavy in the Eastern Conference. Who knows if that is something that actually can work, especially in the star-driven NBA.

But there is nothing they can improve upon by dealing Vucevic.

Next: NBA Draft: Who is Stephen Zimmerman?

For better or worse, the Magic have made their bed for the upcoming season and now they have to lie in it.