Five concerning statistics for the Orlando Magic in 2018

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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) /

Nikola Vucevic’s free-throw percentage: 66.9%

One of the more inexplicable statistics facing the Orlando Magic this year was the sudden drop in Nikola Vucevic’s free throw shooting last season. After all, Vucevic is a great shooter in his own right and free-throw shooting does not change from the time a player is in high school.

Vucevic, a career 71.9 percent free throw shooter, made just 66.9 percent of his free throws last year. That would be the lowest mark since his rookie year.

It was that kind of year for Vucevic. He seemingly hit career-low marks for him at least in his time in Orlando. But this one seemed to go beyond explanation. This was not something we can analyze or say Vucevic is doing anything different. This is just about mental focus.

Maybe, maybe, Vucevic was dealing with a hand injury that might have affected his free-throw stroke. He started wearing that wrap around his hand at some point in the season. But that seems like a stretch.

Vucevic is a good free throw shooter. There is no reason the Magic should not rely on him when he gets to the line. And it would be easy to expect him to bounce back and shoot better than 70 percent. Hopefully for him and the Magic, this was a momentary dip for him.

Still, it is hard to ignore a dip like this or come up with a good explanation.

And that goes double considering Vucevic’s poor free throw rate. He averaged only 2.1 free throw attempts per game and has never shot more than 3.0 free throw attempts per game. Vucevic gets to the line maybe for one trip per game. That probably speaks to his penchant for popping out for jumpers or failing to initiate contact to get to the line.

Next: 2018 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Nikola Vucevic

If the Magic want the best Vucevic, they will want to see him increase his free throw attempts. And that means he has to make the shots he gets.