Nikola Vucevic is working on adding 3-point shot

Nikola Vucevic said in a recent radio appearance he is working on adding a 3-point shot to further his offensive game as he prepares for the upcoming season

The team Nikola Vucevic will return to the Orlando Magic to play for this fall will be very different.

There is now some competitive pressure for him with the Magic bringing in a new power forward in Serge Ibaka and a new high-priced center in Bismack Biyombo. It is an opportunity Vucevic seems excited to take on. And Vucevic remains very confident he will earn his starting spot and his place on the team.

That does not mean Vucevic can walk into camp and take it though. He will have to add something to his game to fight for his spot. There is always something he can do.

The focus for Vucevic has largely been on his defense. While it has seen slight improvements, the general consensus is Vucevic’s defense remains a point of concern. The Magic went out and doubled down on rim protection in signing Ibaka and Biyombo. It felt like a clear sign.

Vucevic’s offensive game could use some expanding too though. He has established himself as a great and dynamic scorer already in averaging 18.2 points per game and shooting a 51.1 percent effective field goal percentage despite a healthy diet of jumpers.

The next frontier for him is beyond the 3-point line. And with the addition of a shooting forward in Serge Ibaka, there may be an opportunity for Vucevic to spend a little more time on the perimeter and draw big men away from the basket.

Vucevic told Dante Marchitelli and George Galante on Magic DriveTime he has been working on his 3-point shot.

"“I have been working a lot on it this summer,” Vucevic said. “It has been going pretty well. My confidence from 3-point shot has been growing. I think it is something I can add to my game.“Actually even here in practice with the national team, I have been stepping out and knocking down some threes. I think that is something that can only help my game.“Obviously I never want to make it where that is what I only do. But I think it can add as a huge weapon because I think I have added to my driving as well. If I can step out to the three and have the big guy come all the way and go by him or make plays for others or finish at the rim or shoot the three, it is another weapon I can add. I will keep working on it so when I come to Orlando, I can shoot some 3s.”"

Vucevic has made only seven of his 26 3-point attempts in his career. He has made two in each of the past two seasons. This would be extremely new frontiers for Vucevic.

Playing Vucevic as something of a stretch-5 has been a consideration. Vogel has been asked about the potential of Vucevic taking some 3-pointers. He has hedged his bets some on that. It is not likely to be a primary weapon for Vucevic.

But his jump-shooting ability has always been something that separates him from other centers like him.

Zach Lowe of ESPN.com reported there has been some current to play Gordon as the nominal center, cutting and slashing to the rim with Ibaka and Vucevic spreading the floor to draw post players away from the basket. The idea is interesting — although Lowe notes neither Vucevic nor Ibaka are good enough shooters for this to be incredibly effective and many teams sat back and allowed Vucevic to shoot mid-range jumpers to clog the paint.

Orlando is desperate for more shooting and floor spacing. Perhaps the way to achieve that is in having Vucevic occasionally step behind the line. Ibaka certainly can do it. So too can Evan Fournier.

Add that to the intrigue for this roster moving forward.

Next: Early fantasy basketball rankings for Orlando Magic

Vucevic is currently training with the Montenegrin national team as they participate in Eurobasket qualifying in Montenegro beginning Aug. 31 before the team travels to the other teams in its group.