Nikola Vucevic has found himself brought up in trade rumors, following another disappointing Magic season. But, he insists he wants to remain with the team.
No player divides the Orlando Magic fanbase more than Nikola Vucevic.
The center is the longest-serving player on the roster, having joined in the Dwight Howard trade in 2012. And yet again, ahead of the trade deadline, Vucevic’s name has been mentioned frequently, both by fans and in the media.
But per Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, Vucevic has no plans on leaving Central Florida. At least if he had his way.
"“I love it here,” Vucevic said. “I’m just disappointed that I haven’t been able to bring more wins and more joy to this franchise, to these fans. That’s the biggest disappointment for me. But other than that, everything’s been great for me here as far as how the organization treated me, how the fans treated me, my role on the team, how I’ve been able to perform. All that’s been great."
Vucevic has averaged 16.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game during his time with the Magic. He is putting up an impressive 17.4 points, 9.3 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game this season. In addition, he is averaging 1.0 steals and 1.1 blocks per game.
He has grown into perhaps the Magic’s most consistent offensive performer, being able to dominate down low but also shoot the ball well from the outside. The 2018 season has seen him add a consistent 3-point shot. He is shooting 34.3 percent from deep, good for fourth among all qualified centers.
Vucevic’s defensive offerings — while far from solid — have also improved. And his two-way contribution to an admittedly dire Orlando franchise sees him rank ninth overall in NBA Math’s TPA stat (Total Points Added) among centers.
So why does a talented offensive player who wants to stay in Orlando come up in trade rumors as frequently as Vucevic does?
Firstly, much of the fanbase sees him as emblematic of the failed rebuild under Rob Hennigan.
Nikola Vucevic — along with Aaron Gordon, Victor Oladipo and Tobias Harris — were the stars expected to flourish during the period Hennigan oversaw. The Magic fired Hennigan last summer after five disappointing seasons.
Yet as the team has consistently lost — and is currently tied for the worst record in the NBA at 14-33 — blame has fallen on those who have been with the club longest. And none have been with the Magic longer than Vucevic.
Vucevic has certainly felt that pain too.
There are also his failings on the court. While he has improved defensively, opponents too often expose him in the pick and roll. Vucevic lacks the lateral quickness to cover opposing point guards or the willingness to go out and contest shots in the mid-range.
He also struggles to protect the rim. His lack of athleticism allowing opponents to shoot 63.8 percent against him there. By contrast, backup center Bismack Biyombo limits opponents to 52.8 percent, good for fifth among all centers averaging at least 18.0 minutes per game.
And finally, Vucevic has a team-friendly contract. The final year of his four-year deal is set to expire in 2019. Vucevic is only owed a very reasonable $12.8 million.
The only problem with trading him is he is probably best as a sixth man. That is something he lacks the desire for, and for which his contract may be slightly too costly.
As he continues to recover from the left-hand injury he received against the Washington Wizards on Dec. 23, Vucevic is blocking out thoughts regarding these trade rumors.
Vucevic told Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel he has been cleared for non-contact drills only. He said he is slowly gaining strength back in his hand — even playing video games to increase strength.
Next: Rumors: Orlando Magic may do heavy lifting in offseason
But if the last few years are anything to go by, expect his name to keep going through the rumor mill. Right up until that deadline.