Nikola Vucevic has been one of the most steady players for the Orlando Magic throughout this and the past three seasons.
He has posted near-All Star numbers in averaging 17.8 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. He has been with the team since the beginning of the rebuild and has been a big part of the team’s growth from rebuilding to trying to make the Playoffs for the first time.
The Magic still have a lot of work to go to accomplish that goal, but undeniable progress has been made.
Vucevic will undeniably play a big part to that story and whether the Magic make the progress they want to see this season, including an ultimate Playoff berth.
Before the Magic went out to the West Coast, Nikola Vucevic joined Carson Ingle and Eric Lopez on the Sports Talk Florida Insiders Show on 1080 AM in Orlando and SportsTalkFlorida.com. He spoke about how the season is going, the difference with Scott Skiles, life in Orlando and Mario Hezonja:
Vucevic definitely has much appreciation for Orlando. The team gave him his first real opportunity and he seems to love the city.
As he said in the interview, he enjoys the quiet and small-town feel of Orlando during the city. It is a city that fits his laid-back personality. He also expressed his amazement at how the city has taken to soccer and appreciates the opportunity to meet players like Kaka and watch Orlando City grow.
Vucevic though is here to do work. He said Scott Skiles has pushed the team hard because Skiles believes they have the capability of making the playoffs. That is something the team is still working toward.
A lot of the focus for the Magic has turned to the offseason where the Magic are expected to make a big splash with their excessive cap space.
Where Vucevic fits into the future is a bit of a mystery. He is one of the top centers in the league, but has definite limitations defensively. He will be one of the big questions facing the Magic this season.
Regardless of where he stands, Vucevic is probably the best short-term player on the team and someone the Magic can rely on for offense every time they give him the ball.
It is hard to just let that go.
For now, Vucevic is promoting a new deal with Century Link in Florida. He is leaving clues on Twitter for Magic watch parties while the team is on the road with chances to win tickets to games and have a personal meet and greet with Vucevic. You can get the clues by following Vucevic on Twitter @nikolavucevic and @centurylinkFL using the hashtag #PrismTVAnywhere.
