Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Nikola Vucevic’s All-Star bid tied to Orlando Magic’s success

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 30: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Sacramento Kings on October 30, 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)
ORLANDO, FL - OCTOBER 30: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Sacramento Kings on October 30, 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) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers
ORLANDO, FL – NOVEMBER 17: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball against the Los Angeles Lakers on November 17, 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) /

Nikola Vucevic’s path to Charlotte

There are several worthy candidates for one of the spots on the Eastern Conference player pool for the All-Star Game. It should also be clear that Nikola Vucevic’s numbers to this point in the season stack up. He is worthy of an All-Star appearance.

Certainly, Vucevic has slowed down some since his tear to start the season. But he is still a vital contributor and important player for the team. Just like all the other All-Stars. When Vucevic plays poorly, the Magic will find it very difficult to win.

And as much as anything, Vucevic has rarely played poorly. His level of consistency throughout the season is why he is in this position and why the Magic are in this position.

But undoubtedly too, Vucevic’s bid to make the All-Star Game is dependent on the Magic staying in the Playoff race and staying relevant. It likely means the Magic have to be in Playoff position or trending that direction when balloting closes at the end of January.

Vucevic’s bid to make the All-Star team is almost entirely tied to the team’s success at this point (and his health, of course).

More from Analysis

There are several worthy candidates for the Eastern Conference All-Star team who may very well get left out. Vucevic is among them. There is a fair argument to make for him to get included.

One certainly being how few big men are likely to be included in the player pool for both conferences — outside of Joel Embiid, Blake Griffin, maybe Andre Drummond and Serge Ibaka, there are no real big men to include in the group. And the West is not going to have many big men included either — Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Davis and LaMarcus Aldridge are the most likely to get in.

Then again, coaches are not likely voting for positional need in an All-Star Draft player pool. It is not like centers are a big part of the All-Star Game to begin with. It is a guard’s game.

Vucevic’s bid to the All-Star Game will come because coaches appreciate the work Vucevic has put in. Coach Steve Clifford has spent the first few months of the season defending Vucevic’s credentials and pumping up his value it seems. He has repeatedly said Vucevic is the top guy teams prepare for when they face the Magic and he does a lot of things that very few big men can.

That has come out this year as the Magic have run an offense that emphasizes his unique skills. Including getting him back in the post more and working him in the high post off cutters rather than simply in pick and rolls.

But none of these numbers matter unless the Magic start winning. That is the most abundantly clear thing about Vucevic and his candidacy.

Orlando has fallen off of late. The Magic are two games out of the final Playoff spot. They have a tough road ahead in early January. Whether Vucevic makes a bid to go to Charlotte will come solely on the team’s success and the reward that comes with winning.