Orlando Magic Daily
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5 Questions for the Orlando Magic’s Fourth Quarter

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 23: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic and the Orlando Magic bench celebrate during the game against the Miami Heat on December 23, 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 - DECEMBER 23: D.J. Augustin #14 of the Orlando Magic and the Orlando Magic bench celebrate during the game against the Miami Heat on December 23, 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) /
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Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic, Alex Len, Atlanta Hawks
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 10: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic posts up on Alex Len #25 of the Atlanta Hawks on February 10, 2019 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Can Nikola Vucevic continue developing as a star?

Nikola Vucevic’s turn at the All-Star Game has come and gone. And he seems to have no sign of slowing down after getting the award. It has been impressive watching Nikola Vucevic continue to step his game up and propel the Orlando Magic forward during this Playoff push.

Since the All-Star Break, Vucevic is averaging 22.5 points per game, 11.7 rebounds per game and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 57.8 percent from the floor. Those are some astounding numbers. And that comes even with a 12-point, 4-for-15 shooting game against the Golden State Warriors.

Right now, Vucevic is doing what he always does but at a higher level. He is the bedrock of the Magic’s offense. When all else fails, they can dump the ball into him or feed him the ball at the high post and run a play through him to get a decent shot.

That is the power of an All-Star. And doubling him largely does not work because he is such a skilled passer. He still has a few hiccups and turnovers when teams send doubles his way, but he largely makes the right play and reads the doubles well to spin away and score or find the open man.

Vucevic is still not a primary option late in games. That usually falls to perimeter players like Terrence Ross and Evan Fournier. But there is going to be a point where the Magic will need Vucevic to take command of the team. That point has come in games already.

Orlando will need Vucevic to will his team to victory. That might mean doing something Vucevic is not super comfortable doing. He has to demand the ball.

The Magic will likely need this at some point if they make the Playoffs. And Vucevic is doing a good job asserting himself more in games where the team is struggling. His play through the games this weekend against the Indiana Pacers and Cleveland Cavaliers was the only reason the Orlando Magic had a chance to win either of those games.

Vucevic has been the team’s safety valve all year. It feels unfair to ask more of him. But Orlando will need more from him. Possibly more late in games. And the Magic will need him to deliver when they call for that.

Next. Orlando Magic Third Quarter MVP: Nikola Vucevic. dark

Vucevic has played like an All-Star all year. But this is the moment when players of his ilk truly step up and play at a higher level. The Magic will go as far as Vucevic can carry them.