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The 3-pointer is saving Nikola Vucevic’s career

By Ian Holmes

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 25: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic is introduced before a game against the Washington Wizards on November 25, 2016 at the 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 25: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic is introduced before a game against the Washington Wizards on November 25, 2016 at the 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 2016 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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D.J. Augustin, Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic, Charlotte Hornets
CHARLOTTE, NC – OCTOBER 29: Nikola Vucevic #9 hands the ball off to teammate D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic as Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets watches on during their game at Spectrum Center on October 29, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

Saving his future

Not only has this new development in Nikola Vucevic’s game given the Orlando Magic a much greater potency from deep and an extra dimension to a free-flowing offense, it may well have just saved Vucevic’s long-term NBA career as a starter.

That may sound dramatic. But just a few short months ago, he was deemed the odd man out on one of the league’s weakest rosters and a team that had not made the Playoffs in five years. Fans could not seem to wait to get him out of town despite the work he had put in on the roster.

The league had moved away from the post-based big man that could step out and shoot jumpers from 18 feet to a pace-based offense with an emphasis on 3-point shooting and defensive flexibility. There were seemingly no takers for him on the trade market despite a team friendly contract as concerns over his defense and fit in the modern NBA were valid.

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But through the first few weeks of the 2018 season, Vucevic’s 3-point shooting has been a major factor in the Magic’s revolutionized offense and has cemented his place and role within a Magic organization looking to turn a fast start into a Playoff return.

Furthermore, it has ensured his place in the NBA, even in an ever-changing league.

Vucevic still has flaws defensively but the Magic are seemingly working around and through. But he has worked to limit those faults and has made himself a positive player.

Although he could still find himself on the block further down the road thanks to his expiring and team-friendly contract. Expectations for the Magic have raised and Vucevic’s emergence is a big reason.

His willingness and ability to adapt from being a mid-range shooting, defensive liability and having to compete for playing time with Bismack Biyombo, to being the unquestionable starter, essential offensive component and adequate defensive player for a surging Magic team show how quickly things can change in the NBA.

Next: Orlando Magic finding a way to win each night

Vucevic though has done more than that. He continues to make his case as a surefire starter just about anywhere in the league. And a player central to the Magic’s ultimate success.