Orlando Magic: Focusing On Player Development

Nikola Vucevic has a breakout 2012-13, but can the Orlando Magic big man continue his improvement? (NBA.com photo)

The 2013-14 season is right around the corner and much of the Orlando Magic’s success will depend largely on the development of three young players.

Last season was the first time the league got to see the potential of forward Maurice Harkless, center Nikola Vucevic and forward Tobias Harris. Harkless had a promising rookie season, Harris became a go-to player with the Magic once he was traded mid-season from the Milwaukee Bucks and Vucevic finished second in the league in rebounding behind Dwight Howard.

With only a few free agent signings of players who will have limited roles this season, general manager Rob Hennigan is expecting Harkless, Vucevic and Harris to have a significant impact. Even though the Magic are not expected to win many games, the franchise’s success will be judged by the development of those three players going forward.

Are any of those three potential franchise players? The consensus to that question is no around the league, but each player gives the Magic a solid building block and the only thing missing to pair with the three is a star player. Do Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker ring a bell?

Let’s look at the situation of Harkless, Vucevic and Harris individually and give realistic expectations for next year

Maurice Harkless

Harkless will most likely be the starting small forward, as he started in 59 games last season. He had a solid performance in the Orlando Pro Summer League. The biggest thing Harkless needs to improve in the next few months is his jump shot and perimeter scoring off the dribble. With a full year under his belt, he knows that other players will try to play him very physically and the best way to combat that is to use his natural athletic ability, quickness and length. With an improved handle and jump shot, Harkless could prove to be an effective wing scorer for the Magic. With Wiggins and Parker in the draft, both of whom are offensive talents at small forward, this may be Harkless’s last season as a starter in Orlando.

Nikola Vucevic

Vucevic turned out to be a pleasant surprise piece acquired in the Howard trade, establishing himself as a top rebounder in the league. With Kyle O’Quinn as the only other center on the roster, Vucevic’s playing time and numbers should remain the same. His scoring could go up though if he is able to polish his back-to-the-basket game and score more in one-on-one opportunities instead of just offensive rebound putbacks and dumpoffs from the guards. Improving his interior defense is another priority of his. Nevertheless, the Magic may have their big man of the future, one who is a solid player already.

Tobias Harris

Another potential gem Hennigan has found is Harris, who came to Orlando via trade. With the return of Glen Davis, Harris may find a role as the team’s sixth man. Averaging 17 points per game while playing with the Magic last season, Harris showed his versatility along the front line, playing both forward spots. Head coach Jacque Vaughn could also flirt with the idea of starting Harris over Harkless instead. One of the intriguing story lines to follow next season will be who gets the majority of playing time at small forward.