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2017 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Nikola Vucevic

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Apr 1, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Milwaukee won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 7, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) controls the ball against Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) and forward Kenneth Faried (35) in the second quarter at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) controls the ball against Denver Nuggets forward Darrell Arthur (00) and forward Kenneth Faried (35) in the second quarter at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

What Could Go Wrong

Vucevic can have all the offensive skills in the world, but this is a team that needs defense. Defense at the highest level. And this is Vucevic’s greatest weakness.

Vucevic is not necessarily a negative defender. He posted a 1.1 defensive box plus-minus last year. That is about in line with his average. Vucevic does help the team defensively. At least, in a small way.

Where he really lacks is in protecting the rim, a skill that seems to be a must in the NBA these days for a successful defense. It certainly makes life easier for the best defenses in the league.

Vucevic last year gave up 54.0 percent at the rim. That is in line with his defending at the rim the last few years.

Vucevic is not a great shot blocker, not a great pick-and-roll defender and that becomes increasingly evident watching him play against the better point guards in the league. Teams are not afraid to venture into the paint when Vucevic is in the game.

The hope is adding a rim-protecting 4 like Serge Ibaka will make cover up these defensive mistakes. Frank Vogel has said he believes he can teach Vucevic better positioning and anticipation within the Magic’s defensive schemes.

Still, it feels like there is a ceiling for a team with Vucevic as the starting center. Especially as more teams try to stretch the floor.

That makes this season all the more important for him. The Magic need to find success and success on the defensive end for Vucevic’s offensive value to truly shine.