The fourth-year center is averaging double figures in points and rebounds for the third consecutive season.
The Orlando Magic haven’t begun the 2014-15 season with a bang, but center Nikola Vucevic has provided plenty of fireworks so far.
Two weeks removed from signing a four-year, $53 million contract extension, the 24-year-old big man is lighting up opposing teams, posting averages of 17.8 PPG and 13.0 RPG through Orlando’s first five games. He has also blocked a team-high seven shots thus far. He is currently second in the league in rebounding behind Anthony Davis and fifth in scoring out of all NBA centers.
Despite missing 25 games last season, Vucevic scored 14.2 points and grabbed 11.0 rebounds per game. In 2012, he averaged 13.1 points and 11.9 rebounds per game.
With Aaron Afflalo back in Denver and Victor Oladipo out with a facial fracture, the Morges, Switzerland native has been carrying the load on offense. Fortunately for Magic fans, Vucevic is continuing to produce at the rate he has in the past, highlighted by his 15 point, 23 rebound (18 defensive) performance in Orlando’s season-opener against the New Orleans Pelicans. In the game, Vucevic out-rebounded both Davis and Omer Asik, who averaged 11.7 RPG with the Houston Rockets in 2012.
The odds of Orlando making the playoffs this year are slim to none, but don’t expect that to stop the 7-foot, 260-pound center from putting up consistent numbers this season. Since being taken by Philadelphia in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Swiss has steadily developed his offensive game. His size allows him to back down most NBA centers and he has also learned to make shots away from the basket. Despite making just three 3-pointers in his first three seasons, Vucevic has already converted on two 3-point attempts this season, and that number will continue to rise as the season progresses.
While Vucevic is expected to produce double-doubles at a steady pace this season, his defense and athleticism are still marginal compared to other NBA centers. The former USC Trojan is tied for 28th in blocks per game and, as evidenced by this rejection by Bulls guard Aaron Brooks, his hops aren’t quite there yet.
There are many positives in Vucevic’s game and he will only continue to improve as he and his young teammates mature. With minimal expectations, expect Orlando to keep feeding him the rock.
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