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Orlando Magic: 3 worst things from season so far

By Luke Duffy

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 26: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic reacts during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on February 26, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - FEBRUARY 26: Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic reacts during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on February 26, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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Orlando Magic
(Photo by Ronald Cortes/Getty Images) /

3. Key players regressed

The 2018-19 season ended up being successful for the Magic because some of their key players stood up when they were needed. Guys like Vucevic, D.J. Augustin and Khem Birch all had career years with the franchise. With so many guys playing so well, it made sense that the team would climb the standings.

This season was a different story, but for several reasons. Augustin saw his role change because of the introduction of Fultz, and he initially struggled coming off the bench. Now also 32 and undersized even for a point guard, the reality is that Augustin is simply getting on in his career.

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Despite this, he was still playing his best basketball after the All-Star break this season. Birch also saw his chances limited because of the reintroduction of Mohamed Bamba while playing him alongside Vucevic when other players were injured did not work out either. Worst of all though was Vucevic, who was not at the All-Star level of a year ago.

Opponents now game plan for him heavily as a result of the Magic’s offense flowing through him, and Vucevic has struggled to adapt to this. What’s more worrying in the long-term, however, is that the organization has three more years of this left, as well as the knowledge that centers on big contracts are not easy to move anymore.

Vucevic’s Player Efficiency Rating of 25.5 last season was the ninth-highest mark in the entire league. This season however it is down to 21.6, putting him 29th. Still miles above the league average of 15, but with the roster lacking any other true stars, Vucevic needs to be one himself if the Magic want to play to their full potential.

He has not been that player this season, and after the progress made a year ago along with the hefty contract he earned, it has been disappointing to see.

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