Nikola Vucevic?
No player divides the Magic fan base quite like Nikola Vucevic.
The most consistent performer for Orlando since the rebuild began in 2012, Vucevic’s departure from Central Florida has been long-discussed but is yet to materialize. A double-double machine, the center’s defensive struggles are by now well-known.
Entering the final year of his deal, is it finally time for Vucevic to depart?
For all his offensive talent, many argue his defensive weaknesses do too much to hold the team back. But few big-men are better passers, and he has only continued to expand his offensive repertoire.
So the Magic face an important question. Is it time they cut ties with their longest-standing player?
Either way, the decision on Vucevic’s future will be just one of many difficult choices Orlando faces this summer. The team will begin transforming itself and Jeff Weltman will sink his teeth into forming his team.
After six painful seasons of ultimately fruitless rebuilding, an increasingly impatient fanbase wants to see results. But the franchise is simply not in a situation where dramatic improvement is on the horizon.
Next: OMD Podcast: Preparing for the Future
Yet the start of that process begins this summer — and with these vital decisions.