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2017-18 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Nikola Vucevic

By Zach Palmer

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic follows through on his jump shot during the NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers defeated the Magic 113-105. 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 Victor Decolongon/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 10: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic follows through on his jump shot during the NBA game between the Orlando Magic and the Los Angeles Clippers at Staples Center on March 10, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. The Clippers defeated the Magic 113-105. 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 Victor Decolongon/Getty Images) /
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Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic
ORLANDO, FL – APRIL 12: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic talks to the media during a press conference on April 12, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2019 Outlook

As I noted earlier, the Orlando Magic are now trying to rid themselves of the culture of the past. Nikola Vucevic is the physical embodiment of that culture. He is the poster child for the Rob Hennigan era. Vucevic is the face of losing for this franchise.

Some of this might be unfair to Vucevic because Orlando has not had overly talented teams around him these past six years. Then again, Vucevic never should have been the one to survive and last this long. He should never have outlasted guys like Victor Oladipo and Tobias Harris, who have both prospered since leaving.  Vucevic endured, probably holding the team back.

It is because Vucevic somehow, someway was given far too large of a role with the team. The Magic have attempted to build around Vucevic throughout his career, trying to keep his production while covering for his flaws.

They traded away Victor Oladipo in an effort to complement Nikola Vucevic with the “rim protecting” Serge Ibaka.

That did not work out at all. Oladipo is currently pushing the best player in the world, LeBron James, to his limits in the NBA Playoffs.

Maybe that is a bit unfair. Maybe the Magic were trying to move Vucevic even after signing him to that sweetheart extension in 2015 and could never find any takers.

It has been clear the Magic should be looking to move on from Vucevic for years. It is no coincidence his name continually came up in trade deadline rumors. The question was always what the Magic wanted in return.

Vucevic is a high usage center who is not overly efficient. In fact, according to NBA.com, more than half of Vucevic’s shot attempts are either open or wide open. Vucevic only shoots around 44 percent on those shots. Defensively, guys like Jarrett Allen and Alex Len routinely have the best games of their careers against him.

Additionally, the Magic have moved on from guys like Kyle O’Quinn and Dewayne Dedmon who, especially for the money they have made, are obviously better players.

Now, the Magic have Khem Birch. A player that the current front office has brought in.

The Magic were clearly at their best this season when Khem Birch was playing center. He passes as well, if not better than Vucevic. Birch also rebounds more effectively and is a significantly better play on defense. He does not demand the ball on offense, allowing Orlando’s more talented offensive players more space.

it just feels like it is time for the Magic to turn the page on this era. And nothing would symbolize that more than moving on from the player who has been here for all six of these frustrating seasons.

With a new front office, I believe that the Magic feel it is time to stop repeating past mistakes. Vucevic will likely have played his last game for the Magic (at least for now).