2017 Central Florida 85 Nos. 18-34: Feeling the pressure

28. Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic

It is rare for players in the NBA to stay with the same team for very long. Even superstars seem on their way out fairly quickly after they arrive. Shaquille O’Neal and Tracy McGrady lasted only four years in a Magic uniform. Dwight Howard had eight years. But those are rare. Nick Anderson, Pat Garrity and Jameer Nelson are the only players to spend that much time in a Magic uniform.

And all those players endeared themselves to the fans in some way or were part of the team’s all-time great teams. Players stay because they bring value to the team beyond what they do on the court.

Then there is Nikola Vucevic. His legacy is still unwritten even five years into his tenure with the Magic. And yet it is all seemingly so complicated.

Vucevic has been the best, most consistent player for the Magic for the last five years. But it has also coincided with the worst five-year stretch in team history. He is both important for his consistency and what he provides — a sure double double, even in a down year like last year — and he might be the very thing that holds them back — he is a finesse, jump-shooting big who is not strong defensively.

Last year, seemed to put everything into more focus. Vucevic had his worst season since he first arrived in Orlando, averaging 14.6 points per game and 10.4 rebounds per game. He struggled with the changes the Magic made last year as much as anyone. The front court crowded and squeezed him out too. Maybe it was a sign of all those shortcomings and frustrations boiling over.

Yet Vucevic remains. And he remains loyal.

For all the desire to trade Vucevic or move on from him — with signs both on and off the roster — he still loves Orlando and wants to be in this city. Sure, he would like to be the starter and a key player. Maybe that decision is coming.

But Vucevic has been the face of the franchise for a while. For better or for worse.