Orlando Magic Playbook: Nikola Vucevic’s passing makes him unique big man

Post Passing

When it comes to centers, it is probably more known for post play in general. And so it makes sense that being able to pass from the post is a critical component for a passing center.

This season, Vucevic is averaging 3.8 post ups per game, according to NBA.com. He scores 0.81 points per possession on these plays. His efficiency in post ups has dropped. Part of that is the lack of space from having Ibaka or Bismack Biyombo on the floor.

Plays like the one above are typically what everyone sees when they think of a big passing.

Vucevic gets pushed out a little farther off the block than he would like, but he waits for Evan Fournier to make his move before posting up and, seeing Fournier open, flips him the ball.

It is a simple play. One that every center has to make.

What is not so easy to make is the skip pass Vucevic made in the game against the Houston Rockets earlier this year.

Here, Vucevic’s ability to face up and his threat to do so occupies the Rockets. He, as he often is when he posts up, is isolated on the block to work against Clint Capela. He begins to turn and face the basket and sees Trevor Ariza creeping up to cut off the baseline.

That left Aaron Gordon wide open for three. Whether or not Gordon is someone he can trust to make the shot, Vucevic delivers a perfect pass to Gordon in the corner to set him up for an open 3-pointer.

This is not an easy play to make. And a good pass from Vucevic out of the post.

It is all about reading the defense. Every pass is. And Vucevic has shown a great skill at doing so.