Orlando Magic: Five Players That Need To Be Part of the Magic’s future

Michigan guard Trey Burke shows off handle against Arkansas. (Adam Glanzman/Flickr.com)

The Orlando Magic have had a rough season, but despite having the second-worst record in the NBA (19-56) there is reason for optimism as the Magic have young talent to build for the future.

The Magic have five players on the roster that should remain fixtures for years to come.

1. Forward Tobias Harris

Tobias Harris has been a  great trade-deadline addition for the Orlando Magic. Harris’ third NBA season has been one roller coaster ride of a season.  Harris began the season starting at small forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, but 14 games into the season, Harris suffered a right elbow injury that saw  him miss 14 games for the Bucks. After recovering from the injury, Harris was placed on the bench and only played 11 minutes a game.

However, Harris was given new basketball life when Harris, point guard Beno Udrih, and shooting guard Doran Lamb were traded to the Orlando Magic for shooting guard J.J. Redick, center Gustavo Ayon and point guard Ish Smith on February 22. Since the trade, Harris has showcased skills that have shown the type of player the Magic can build around.

Since coming to Orlando, Harris leads the team in scoring with 16.4 points per game and blocks with 1.5 per game and  is No. 2 in rebounds with 8.2 per game. The 20-year-old, 6’8″ forward provides versatility with his ability to play both the small forward and power forwards spots.

Offensively, Harris can use his big body to bulldoze his way to the basket or he can burn the defense from 3-point range, where he is shooting 32.3 percent.

However, the thing that makes Harris truly valuable is his play defensively. Harris can be heard calling out the defensive rotations and does an excellent job showing on pick-and-roll defense.

2. Center Nikola Vucevic

The emergence of Nikola Vucevic has given the Magic a big man to build around in the wake of the Dwight Howard trade. Before the season started, Vucevic and Ayon were battling it out in preseason camp to decide who would be the starting center. Vucevic won the job and has shown signs of being a legitimate NBA center.

Vucevic has become a double-double machine. In his second year, the 6’10” center is No. 6 in the NBA in double-doubles with 39 on the season and is averaging 12.5 points per game and 11.5 rebounds per game. Vucevic also seems to have the ability to rise to the occasion against the best team in the NBA.

In two games against the defending champion Miami Heat, Vucevic is averaging 22.5 points and 25 rebounds in the two contests Vucevic has played in (Vucevic did not play against the Heat on March 25 due to a concussion).

Vucevic’s ability on the boards, as well as his offensive versatility, make him a tough player to prepare for on opposing teams. On offense Vucevic can utilize his length in the post, tip in missed shots and step out to nail a mid-range jumper. However, the one area that Vucevic has to improve on is defense. He struggles guarding the pick-and-roll and against powerful big men can be bullied in the post.

3. Forward Maurice Harkless

The 19-year-old, 6’8″ small forward has made tremendous strides over the course of the season. In the beginning of the season, Orlando coach Jacque  Vaughn did not utilize Maurice Harkless much on the offensive side of the floor. Harkless’ offense would either come off an offensive rebound or a cut to the basket along the sideline for an easy basket. Harkless has great athleticism, length and great second-jump ability that allows him to haul in offensive rebounds.

However, since the trade, Harkless has expanded his offensive game. Prior to the All-Star break, Harkless averaged 4.8 points per game. Since the All-Star break, Harkless is averaging 14.2 points per game. While his offense still includes hard cuts and offensive rebounding, he has also added the ability to take on defenders off the dribble and has also become comfortable nailing the corner 3-point shot. He will have to continue to improve his jump shot.

The best part of Harkless’ game is his defense. Harkless is able to use his length and athleticism to hassle opposing players. Harkless is averaging 1.7 steals per game and 1.1 blocks per game. Before Arron Afflalo went down with torn ligament in his left hamstring, Harkless would guard the opposing team’s No. 2 perimeter player. Now the task of being the Magic’s lock-down defender has fallen on the shoulders of a teenager.

Harkless just seems to be getting better; on Monday, April 1, Harkless had a career-high 28 points against the Houston Rockets in a 111-103 loss.

4. Center Kyle O’Quinn

The 6’10” rookie out of Norfolk State has spent the bulk of the season as the third or backup center. However, with the injury to Glen Davis and the trade that send Ayon to Milwaukee, Kyle O’Quinn has seen more playing time behind Vucevic.

O’Quinn has a solid shooting touch, plays good defense and is a deceptively good passer. His ability to rebound and make the tough, gritty basketball play is important for the young Magic squad.

Due to Vucevic’s concussion, O’Quinn was given the opportunity to start and has made the most of it. In a game against the Charlotte Bobcats on March 27, O’Quinn had 23 points, 11 rebounds and six assists. His ability to pass the ball from the top of the key to players cutting to the basket is a unique skill set for a big man and is something the Magic could use in the future.

5. Forward Andrew Nicholson

Andrew Nicholson‘s role has been drastically reduced thanks to the performances of Tobias Harris and Kyle O’Quinn. However, Nicholson still has the game to be a key player for the Magic’s future.

On the season, Nicholson is averaging 8.2 points per game for the Magic. On offense, Nicholson is already NBA ready with an advanced post-game and the ability to stretch the defense and hit a mid-range shot.

However, Vaughn has turned to Harris and O’Quinn because of their ability to play defense. Nicholson has been completely lost on the defensive side of the court, often losing his own man or failing to provide the necessary help defense that is required.

Honorable Mention: Guard Trey Burke

The reigning Big Ten Player of the Year has averaged 16.9 points and 5.8 assists this season for the Michigan Wolverines and has led his team to the Final Four. Burke could make a good addition to the Magic’s young nucleus. The Orlando Magic’s current point guard is Jameer Nelson and he has had a nice season. However, to have a young point guard who can lead the young Magic team would really allow the team to gel together.

Burke is the kind of point guard who knows when to work the ball around his teammates and when to put the team on his shoulders and take over the game.