Orlando Magic: Whose team is it anyway?

By S.W. Guest | Mar 13, 2017

Mar 8, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) is congratulated by forward Terrence Ross (31) against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Chicago Bulls 98-91. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 22, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) and forward Aaron Gordon (00) talk against the Golden State Warriors during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2014: Nikola Vucevic

Of all the players the Magic acquired in the Dwight Howard and J.J. Redick deals, Nikola Vucevic quickly emerged as the most promising.

In his first season with the team, he averaged 13.1 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, prompting many to say Orlando won the Howard trade – something that was helped by the fact Howard’s first year in Los Angeles hardly went to plan.

Vucevic’s numbers improved steadily in the next couple of seasons, peaking at 19.3 points and 10.9 rebounds per game during the 2015 season. In recent years his contributions on the defensive end have improved considerably. But the size of the extension he signed coupled with the fact Vucevic is hardly a vocal leader on the floor has often seen him overlooked.

The fact of the matter is Vucevic has been one of the best, most committed and reliable players to don pinstripes since Howard’s departure.

This has never quite felt like his team, though.