Orlando Magic Daily
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Orlando Magic: The new guys vs. The old guys

By Spencer R. Henderson

Mar 15, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) passes the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Denver Nuggets 116-110. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 15, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) passes the ball against the Denver Nuggets during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Denver Nuggets 116-110. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic, Jared Sullinger, Boston Celtics
Jan 31, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Boston Celtics center Jared Sullinger (7) guards Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Center: Bismack Biyombo vs. Nikola Vucevic

This would be a practice matchup for the ages in the current situation. This would be a matchup that could sell TV ratings if it were a televised practice. The nation is waiting to see who wins the starting job, so that alone would present more pressure for both of these centers to perform at the attributes they lack.

Well, maybe not the nation, but certainly Magic fans. This has been the debate that has consumed the summer. Who emerges in a classic matchup between defense and offense?

It is an interesting matchup because Vucevic flourishes on the offensive end and Biyombo flourishes on the defensive end. Vucevic is average at best on defense and Biyombo is average at best on offense.

The contrast between the two is clear, Vucevic is a little better at defense than Biyombo is on offense. But Biyombo could be more aggressive in this pick-up setting. He could certainly get away with a lot more.

The majority of Biyombo’s points, if not all of them, come from players creating shots for him. Either he is catching lobs from players or he is quickly cutting off of screens to get high percentage points at the basket. He probably cannot score on his own, let alone hit free throws with consistency, so his offense is still limited.

The majority of Vucevic’s blocks, if not all of them, are from help-side defense. Either he is helping the guards recover from getting beat initially, or he is jumping straight up with his arms parallel to his body to stop a post-up move. Lateral quickness remains something Vucevic lacks in his defense arsenal. It is primarily the reason the organization felt the need to acquire a talent like Biyombo.

Vucevic made it public he feels he should be the starting center for Orlando despite Biyombo’s arrival. Indirectly saying that his offense is more important to this starting lineup than Biyombo’s defense is. His position essentially means he feels the bench needs Biyombo’s defensive presence more than Vucevic’s offensive arsenal.

Biyombo is on the record saying the Magic acquired him because of the lack of toughness at the position. Biyombo hopes to add that through his defensive acumen.

Indeed this matchup seems like a battle between a finesse player versus a player who flourishes in toughness. This matchup could likely determine who wins the pickup game. And it will be the biggest battle in camp.

Like Jeff Van Gundy always says, give me great offense over great defense any day.

Winner: Nikola Vucevic

Next: Power Forward