Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Top 5 international players in Orlando Magic history

By Luka Jelcic

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 19: Hedo Turkoglu #15 of the Orlando Magic controls the ball against the Indiana Pacers during a pre-season game on October 19, 2012 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 19: Hedo Turkoglu #15 of the Orlando Magic controls the ball against the Indiana Pacers during a pre-season game on October 19, 2012 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next

2. Nikola Vucevic, Montenegro

Per Game Table
Season Tm G GS MP FG FGA FG% 2P% eFG% FT% TRB AST STL BLK PTS
5 seasons ORL 274 269 32.7 7.2 14.1 .515 .517 .516 .742 10.7 2.1 0.8 0.9 16.2

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table

Nikola Vucevic is the epitome of the post-Dwight Howard era, and is one the reasons the Magic “won” the trade. Before coming to the Magic, Vucevic was mostly an unknown rookie in the league.

But his smooth jumper and uncharacteristically good shooting mechanic for a center made him the Magic’s leader in the rebuild. He signed an extension in 2014, which has him tied through 2019.

Recently, more concerns are arising regarding his defensive ability and especially rim protection. In today’s NBA, the center’s primary role is to be a rim protector, and Vucevic does not fit the prototype.

In this regard, he will always be seen as the Dwight Howard antipode. His Magic legacy depends on his ability to either hide his defensive weaknesses or develop into a real defensive presence.

Home/Magic History