Orlando Magic: An all-star berth may await Nikola Vucevic

Through 21 games, Nikola Vucevic and the Orlando Magic find themselves in unchartered territory

Although due in part to the struggles of other usual playoff outfits – namely Washington and Miami – the Orlando Magic are currently the 8 seed in the Eastern Conference, with a 10-11 record.

Their start has undoubtedly been by committee. They have three 15+ point per game scorers, and  Steve Clifford has his team playing an entertaining, team-oriented style of basketball. While Orlando’s start has certainly been a team-wide effort, their impressive open to the campaign has been spearheaded by big man Nikola Vucevic.

The 16th pick in the 2011 draft, Vucevic has averaged at least 13 points per game every year since his rookie campaign, averaging a career-high 19.3 points along with 10.9 boards back in 2014-15. Currently, the USC alum is averaging 20.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists, along with a steal and a block per outing. He’s doing so on impeccable 55/39/85 splits.

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Usually known as a traditional inside big, ‘Vooch’ has expanded his game, knocking down 23 long balls in 21 games thus far.

Given the Montenegran’s consistency over the years – and the Magic’s lack of success – it’s a surprise that he’s not been targeted via trade. I can think of a handful of teams who could do with an efficient scoring big who’s also quietly a very good rebounder (career average of 9.8).

Following the drafting of Jonathan Isaac and Mohamed Bamba, the Magic’s frontcourt is somewhat of a logjam. Given their early success – something they’ve been deprived of in recent years – it should be interesting to see the route in which Orlando take. Will they ride their star big and try and make the playoffs, or look for a trade while his value is at an all-time high?

I edge towards the former. According to ESPN’s RPI rankings, Orlando has had the league’s 7th hardest schedule to this point. Given they’re hovering around .500 and currently reside in the 8th seed, it’s hard not to be optimistic.

At day’s end, this decision may make itself. If Orlando goes from strength to strength and continues to win at a steady rate, there’s no real reason for them to trade their best player. If the losses begin to pile up and they fall out of the playoff race, then selling high on Vucevic while giving the bulk of the frontcourt minutes to Isaac and Bamba would be the wise move.

Should the winning continue, there’s no reason why Vucevic should be exempt from the all-star game. 21/11 on great efficiency on a playoff team is hard to vote against. The lack of Eastern conference firepower – superstar-wise – should help his case, too.

Whatever happens, things are looking up in Central Florida. There are viable options on the table – now it’s time to see what they’ll do.