Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Nikola Vucevic is already among Orlando Magic’s all-time best players

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 21: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 21, 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 21: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic looks on during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 21, 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic, Dwight Howard, Los Angeles Lakers
LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 02: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic backs in on Dwight Howard #12 of the Los Angeles Lakers during a 113-103 Magic win at Staples Center on December 2, 2012 in Los Angeles, 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 License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

His place in history

Even if Nikola Vucevic does become the Magic’s all-time leading scorer, he will not touch the Magic’s Mt. Rushmore — Shaquille O’Neal, Anfernee Hardaway, Tracy McGrady and Dwight Howard. All four were at least on pace to become Hall of Fame players while in a Magic uniform — Anfernee Hardaway would be in if he did not get hurt and Dwight Howard should be in once he retires.

Nikola Vucevic is certainly not on that pace.

With his one playoff appearance, he is certainly not on their level. And even after his All-Star appearance — he was just the eighth different player to make an All-Star Game in a Magic uniform — no one would consider him in the pantheon of all-time Magic greats.

Those players have lists of rewards, records and accolades that surpass Vucevic. Many of them have played deep into the playoffs while Vucevic’s tenur has seen him and his teams merely fighting for respectability.

When Orlando Magic Daily surveyed its writers three years ago for the top-25 players in Magic history, Vucevic finished 12th. He was 14th in the Orlando Magic’s own list three years ago.

That shows how much things have changed in the last three years and how consistency and solid play cna help a player climb the lists. He is clearly now in the top-10 and clearly now in the group with other beloved Magic players.

Unlike many of the other top players, Vucevic was No. 20 in our list of the Magic’s most popular players in Magic history that we released last year.

There is clearly still an evolving story with Vucevic. He is now someone who has kept true to his team and shown loyalty and delivered a satisfying and gratifying playoff trip.

He took crticisim for his playoff performance. There always seems to be people who want more from him. But his numbers speak for themselves.