5 questions the Orlando Magic face in the season’s third quarter

What is Nikola Vucevic’s value?

The question may finally come to a head in the next month. What exactly is Nikola Vucevic’s value to the Orlando Magic?

Clearly Vucevic has a deep tie to the Orlando community. He was unhappy about his move to the bench and bristled at the notion he would not start, but he took the demotion in stride and professionally. He contributed well and quickly earned his way back into the starting lineup.

This quarter was an up and down ride for him.

But Vucevic has established himself as a consistent player for the team. Someone Frank Vogel has even admitted he needs to use more effectively.

Vucevic has made an incredible turn defensively this year. Vogel’s teaching in verticality has helped turn Vucevic into a positive defensive player, although he still has a weakness in the pick and roll.

His jumper is still a bit below his career averages, but they seem to be quickly rebounding.

The elephant in the room though is Vucevic’s contract. It is extremly team friendly — $25 million for the next two years — and teams will be calling about him., especially with the Magic shopping to improve the team or move the next phase.

Vucevic is improving. He is probably the best center on the Magic roster. His defensive outbreak has made the Bismack Biyombo signing look a bit extraneous. And certainly overpriced.

Orlando has to figure out, as much as anything, what Vucevic’s futre is with the franchise. And that will be something the team has to figure out in the next month and a half.