Orlando Magic Daily
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The Six Orlando Magic stars with the most to prove in 2018

By Sam Skubala

ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 11: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on March 11, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MARCH 11: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic dunks against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the game on March 11, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Nikola vucevic, Orlando Magic, Luke Babbitt, Miami Heat
MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 20: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Miami Heat on December 20, 2016 at American Airlines Arena in Miami, Florida. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Nikola Vucevic

Years Experience: 6
Career Averages: 14.6 points. 9.9 rebounds, 50.2 FG%

Yet, the Orlando Magic player with the most to prove this season is the franchise’s best player. Or at least its most consistent producer.Nikola Vucevic.

Nikola Vucevic.

Long-regarded as a talented offensive player who is capable on the boards, Vucevic’s struggles have been increasingly brought to light since he became the team’s star player.

His lack of speed and athleticism allows opponents to exploit him in the pick-and-roll and at the rim. Vucevic’s lack of lateral quickness has put pressure on fellow defensive big men, Bismack Biyombo and Serge Ibaka.

His offense also tends to slow down the Magic’s pace and can break up their attack. But he undoubtedly remains Orlando’s best scorer. He still critical to what they try to do on that end.

Offensively, he should continue to develop his 3-point shot in order to help stretch the floor. Especially with players like  Biyombo on the roster, Vucevic will need to further improve his outside shot.

But to prove himself going forward, Vucevic will have to improve on the defensive end.

Despite improved numbers on that end last season, it is clear he still has ways to go. Much of his defensive game is limited by his lack of athleticism and speed.

Without an improvement, Vucevic will continue to be regarded as an offensive-minded, “empty stats” player by some around the league.

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More importantly, without this improvement from their starting center, it is difficult to see Orlando substantially improving in 2017-2018.