The Vooch Effect: How Nikola Vucevic’s Return Could Elevate the Orlando Magic This Season
WRITTEN BY: KYLE NASH
If you’re an Orlando Magic fan and not a robot, the recent reacquisition of center Nikola Vucevic should spark some emotion, whether it’s nostalgia over seeing the former franchise player back in a Magic uniform or skepticism about the move’s viability on the court.
Considering the moves made under the new front office and new head coach Sean Sweeney, there’s a logical basketball argument for the decision. Is there also intangible value from the front office’s perspective in bringing back a fan favorite who spent nine seasons in Orlando? Absolutely.
The fan base is angry and disappointed after the Magic’s performance last season. This is a team that entered the year with Eastern Conference championship aspirations but blew a 3-1 lead in the first round of the playoffs.
While there are nuances to that elimination and reasons for optimism — Franz Wagner was hurt, the Magic lost to the No. 1-seeded Detroit Pistons, and so on — tapping into the nostalgia of seeing Vucevic back in Orlando could help restore some hope and buy-in as the franchise moves forward under the new coaching staff.
But when the ball hits the hardwood, what value does Vucevic actually provide?
Last season, in 64 games with the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics, he averaged 15.1 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. Considering he signed for the NBA veteran minimum of $3.9 million and the Magic lost Mo Wagner, this is a cost-effective addition that strengthens the frontcourt.
If starting center Wendell Carter Jr. misses time this season, Vucevic provides a solid backup option. While he may not offer the same defensive presence as Goga Bitadze, he remains a comparable offensive threat to Carter.
There has been some speculation that Vucevic could compete for a spot in the starting rotation, but his value as a rotational piece makes the most sense.
Expecting a player at Vucevic’s age to average more than 15 points per game on a roster that includes Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane may be unrealistic. There is only one basketball, and it has to be shared.
That said, if Vucevic comes off the bench and averages around 10 points and between five and seven rebounds per game, Orlando will have landed a high-value acquisition at a time when its salary cap situation is extremely tight.
Does this move alone guarantee the Magic will contend for an Eastern Conference championship? No.
Does it help keep Orlando from losing ground in the East after losing Mo Wagner? Yes.
Only time will tell whether Orlando can meet the high expectations placed on the team entering the upcoming season.
WRITTEN BY: KYLE NASH
