2019 Orlando Magic Player Outlook: Nikola Vucevic

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SACRAMENTO, CA – MARCH 9: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic gets introduced into the starting lineup against the Sacramento Kings on March 9, 2018 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Nikola Vucevic has been a reliable stalwart for the Orlando Magic through the losing seasons. But change is in the air for the big man.

Some things change, some things do not.

For the NBA, summer is when most things shift. Then September and October come, and we all look at what is different and what is the same.

For Nikola Vucevic, change might be coming for the first time in six years.

For the past half-decade, every October has been the same. Vucevic returns to Orlando despite some insinuation the team might deal him. He goes to the same locker, the same gym, the same stadium. And the Orlando Magic leave him with the same mission by the Orlando Magic

“Please, carry us.”

Sure, coaches, teammates, even jerseyit, come and go, but the pleading remains the same. The Magic still ask Nikola Vucevic to lead the team in almost every way, knowing full well that this does not work.

In fairness, Vucevic has not led the team in scoring for several years. But he still serves as the anchor for the team at center. As new coach Steve Clifford put it, Nikola Vucevic was the guy at the top of the scouting report for all his multiple skills.

For so long, Vucevic responded in just a single way: by going out and doing it.

The Magic’s longest-tenured player has put up more points, rebounds, minutes and blocks than anyone else in the last six years. He has come the closest to being an All-Star. He has been the face of the whole franchise.

But things change.

The signs came last year. For a man built as solidly as the 7-foot, 257-pound Montenegrin, succumbing to injury has not been a major problem throughout his career. But a broken hand reduced him to the fewest games he has played since his rookie season at 57.

His numbers took a similar hit. Vucevic simply never built up his groove last year, and it showed.

The body of work since 2012 is good enough that Vucevic should not be counted out for one bad year alone. Unfortunately, injuries are not the only change that has come to Orlando.

It appears Vucevic is not quite part of the team’s future and his place with the team remains uncertain as he enters the final year of his contract.

Orlando will still rely on him heavily but change is indeed in the air.