2018 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Nikola Vucevic

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NEW YORK, NY – JANUARY 02: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic reacts after a foul is called against him in the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on January 2, 2017 in New York City. 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 License Agreement (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

What Could Go Wrong

It seems to be a trend during the 2018 outlook posts, but if Nikola Vucevic has a season like last year, the Magic will be in trouble. The team will depend on him to be a double-double machine.

Things will turn ugly for him if he cannot find his jump shot. Vucevic’s jumper is a key part of his game. If the range is not there, Orlando’s spacing will be even more of an issue.

Overall, he needs to return to form offensively. The major drop off in almost every statistical category including points per game, field goal percentage and free throw percentage (inexplicably down to 66.9 percent) was eye-opening.

As Orlando tried to fix its roster last year with a few quick changes through free agency and trades, Vucevic lost a solid role on the team. The newcomers quickly bit into his minutes and it affected his play.

Playing alongside Bismack Biyombo and Serge Ibaka did not make Vucevic’s life any easier. Neither pairing seemed to work on either side of the ball. All three players struggled to gel together causing major headlines and eventually leading to a change of scenery in Orlando’s front office.

This offseason also features plenty of new faces. Not the big names like last year, but productive veterans looking to prove themselves on a young team. Only time will tell if Vucevic can play with a new-look Magic team.

At this point in his career, Vucevic is what he is. There will not be any major strides in his development or numbers that will take the league by storm. He is a solid center who has improved some aspect of his game in every season as a pro.

2018 will be a rough season for him if he cannot remain steady. Whether it be trade rumors or the supporting cast around him. 2018 must be a rebound year.