Orlando Magic: 2017-18 NBA season preview

Storyline 3: What does the future hold for Nikola Vucevic?

After being signed to a four-year, $72 million in the summer of 2016, the arrival of Bismack Biyombo created somewhat of a conundrum for coach Vogel.

After starting incumbent center Nikola Vucevic for the first 16 games of the season, Vogel then inserted Biyombo as the starting center for the ensuing 23 games. But after this short-lived stint, Vogel reverted back to Vucevic for the reminder of the regular season.

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But regardless of the choice of starting center, the fortunes of the Magic didn’t noticeably change. If anything, Biyombo was the more successful starter overall. For the month of December, in which Biyombo started every game, the Magic posted an 8-8 record that saw their offensive rating jump from 96.0 in November to 106.2. Naturally, these numbers are surprising given Biyombo is considered to be a defensive specialist, quite the opposite to Vucevic.

So what does the future hold for Vucevic?

Entering this season, the seven-foot Swiss native has two years remaining on his four-year, $52 million contract. Considering he started virtually the entire second half of last season, Vucevic will naturally be the overwhelming favorite to start at center come opening night. With Gordon now cemented as the starting power forward, Vucevic’s ability to shoot from the perimeter is more valuable than ever.

But despite this, Vucevic’s place as the long-term starting center is far from a certainty. Despite being somewhat of a stretch-5, Vucevic averaged just 1.0 attempts per game from 3-point range. This offseason, the Magic brought in veteran center Marreese Speights, whose primary role will be as a floor-spacer.

Last season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Speights averaged 8.7 points in just 15.7 minutes, which included hitting at a 37.2 percent clip from downtown on 3.2 attempts per game. On a per-36 minutes basis, Speights led all centers at 7.8 attempts per game.

Looking ahead, coach Vogel is certainly keen to see how things play out with the 30-year-old veteran:

"“Last year he added the 3-point shot to his game and he was already one of the best spread-centers in the league. He definitely gives us an entirely different dynamic (with his perimeter shooting) than what we’ve had. And he has great experience having won a championship. He’ll be a welcomed addition around here.’’"

With training camp and the regular season on the horizon, Vogel clearly has a variety of options at his disposal for the center spot, each with varying skill-sets.

However, it’s the future of Vucevic, and the role he plays this season, that’ll be the most intriguing.