NBA Power Rankings Week 11: All-Star break edition
By Corey Rausch
Last Week: Lost to Dallas Mavericks 130-124, Lost to Atlanta Hawks 115-112
This Week: 3/11 at Miami Heat, 3/12 at San Antonio Spurs
It is hard to imagine the season starting worse for the Orlando Magic than it did. They were already behind the eight ball with Jonathan Isaac out for the season. Then Markelle Fultz tore his ACL as well. Cole Anthony made his way to the injured list soon after. Aaron Gordon has missed significant time.
The lone bright spot is Nikola Vucevic. Even if it has not led to many wins, the season that Vucevic is having is special. He is the rare star who does not mind being in a small market if he can build something. The last few years, with a healthy roster, the Magic have been a feisty, up-and-coming playoff team. This year, it was not meant to be.
Vucevic is averaging 24.6 points, 11.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.0 steals per game. He is shooting 41.2 percent from long range on 6.5 attempts per game. There is no way he will get enough respect for the dominance he is showing as the Magic struggle game to game. Trade rumors have swirled around him, most notably connected to the Boston Celtics. The big man seems to love being in Orlando, but if he can move on and compete on a stage that will get him the recognition he deserves, it may be good for everyone involved.