2018 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Nikola Vucevic

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SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 13: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic looks on during the game against the Sacramento Kings on March 13, 2017 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

What To Look For

Looking toward 2018, Nikola Vucevic should return to his old self on offense. Serge Ibaka will no longer clog the lane. Vucevic will have room to operate with Aaron Gordon now getting the majority of the minutes at power forward.

Allowing Vucevic to move closer to the basket will allow him to return to his comfort zone. He will be able to use his repertoire down in the post. Forcing his opposition to give him a step or two and open up his mid-range shot again.

His post play dropped dramatically last year. In 2016, Vucevic averaged 5.4 post up possesions per game, according to NBA.com. He posted 0.93 points per possession. Last year, Vucevic averaged only 3.7 post up possessions per game, seeing his points per possession drop to 0.80.

If Vucevic can regain his consistency on offense, Orlando should find it easier to score. Although many criticize Vucevic for being an offense-first center, he creates mismatches that many teams are unable to handle.

Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

Orlando will probably stay with the tried-and-true formula with Vucevic as the offense’s centerpiece. He can score from anywhere inside the 3-point line and has shown the ability to pass at a high level.

On defense, Vucevic should maintain the same level of defense he had last season. Again, nothing special, but enough to get the job done against the majority of NBA centers.

Vucevic should play closer to the basket this season. The rest of the forwards on the team are more fit to play closer to the perimeter, using their athleticism to their advantage. If they do not leave Vucevic on an island, he will have another successful season.

As always, trade talks will circulate around the 26-year-old big man. Orlando could fade from the playoff race early leaving Vucevic as an obvious trade chip.

It is far too early to tell what his value may be at the deadline, but his future with the Magic is definitely in doubt. That may not necessarily be his fault either. He likely does not fit the mold that Jeff Weltman and the front office have in mind.