Orlando Magic: 2018-19 player grades for Nikola Vucevic
By Luke Duffy
Final Grade
The perfect season for Nikola Vucevic and one where he silenced all of his doubters. He proved he could be the best player on a playoff team, and with the right help around him he was able to put up even bigger numbers than before but not have it all be for nothing.
The postseason exit was a concern, and there are still those who question if bringing him back at all was the right thing to do. At 28 he is entering his prime with the rest of the Magic’s core looking a bit off that themselves at the moment.
The money he is now making isn’t unbearable, but he is being paid to continue performing at an All-Star level.
Over the course of the regular season though, he was arguably the best center in the Eastern conference. He posted career highs in points, rebounds and assists, and his fantastic PER rating speaks for itself.
He improved again defensively, to the point where the team were actually better on that end when he was on the court.
Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac deserve a lot of credit for turning the Magic’s fortunes around on that end, but Vucevic did spend considerable time on the court with Augustin and Evan Fournier. Two guys not known for their defensive prowess.
He made a difference defensively, and after years of that not being the case, it was a welcome sight.
The continued 3-point shooting added another layer to his game, although it is hoped he doesn’t fall in love with the outside shot too much.
Vucevic is still needed to be a more traditional center who can work around the paint, and his touch and nifty feet ensure he is capable of moving around stronger opponents as well.
If he continues letting it fly from deep (2.9 attempts per game), he could morph into a glorified four. With Isaac already in place, that is not what the Magic want.
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Really though we are nitpicking, as Nikola Vucevic had the best season in an Orlando Magic jersey since Dwight Howard was in town. In doing so he continued climbing the list of all-time franchise greats as well.