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Forging the Future: What the Orlando Magic should do with Nikola Vucevic

By Zach Palmer

TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 23: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic talks at the press conference after Game Five of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors on April 23, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
TORONTO, CANADA - APRIL 23: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic talks at the press conference after Game Five of Round One of the 2019 NBA Playoffs against the Toronto Raptors on April 23, 2019 at the Scotiabank Arena in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. 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 Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic, Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 25: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

After a breakout season, Nikola Vucevic is headed to free agency. They now face a tough decision with their lone All-Star that could set their team’s future course.

Here we are again. The Orlando Magic’s season is over. At least, this time it was after some playoff games.

Here we are again another summer debating the Magic’s future and where Nikola Vucevic fits in. At least, this time things are a bit different.

Nikola Vucevic is facing free agency, forcing the team to reckon with his place on the team in the short- and long-term. But the playoffs have also changed things for the team.

The Magic improved as a team significantly (up from 25 to 42 wins), they made the playoffs, and Vucevic managed to turn himself into an All-Star.

As many know, I am not the biggest Vucevic fan. I have been quick to call him out for his offensive inefficiency and, more importantly, his lackluster defense.

With that said, Vucevic deserves a ton of praise for his improvements this past season. His 3-point shooting improved significantly, his free throw attempts were up, his rebounding improved and his defense was far and away the best of his career.

Vucevic is no stranger to putting up nice numbers. But until this season, those numbers were mostly empty and meaningless. His numbers were not relevant to winning games. His defense left his teammates visibly frustrated. His rebounding fluctuated with his effort.

This year everything was different. Vucevic was engaged defensively throughout the season. He played his rear off on a nightly basis. He was a difference maker and he was recognized for it with his first All-Star selection.

A decision that felt simple at the beginning of the season now feels incredibly complicated. It is the central question for the Magic’s offseason.

Should the Magic sign Vucevic to a long-term contract?

Prior to this season the answer would have obviously been to let him go. But in a contract year when Vucevic knew it was time to put up or shut up, Vucevic put up.

Now the question that seemed so easy to answer only nine months ago has become a much more difficult one. What should the Magic do?

They should let Vucevic go.