By Stefan Djordjevic / sdjordjevic@eurohoops.net
The Orlando Magic have been struggling heavily so far this season as they are near the bottom of the NBA Eastern Conference with a 13-26 record and are currently on an 8-game losing streak.
That said, none of it can be blamed on the Magic star center Nikola Vucevic who’s been dominating the floor and putting without a doubt his career-best year.
In those last eight games, Vucevic’s averages were 28.5 points, 11.1 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and he was shooting 52/45/93% from the field. There’s not much more, if anything, you can ask of a player to do.
The latest loss came against the Miami Heat against whom Vucevic has a stellar stats record over the years and he did it once again. He posted 38 points, ten rebounds, six assists, and two steals.
The big man was on the radar of many teams this season, reportedly including the Miami Heat, and coach Erik Spoelstra had high praise for Vucevic, comparing him to a European legend in Dirk Nowitzki.
“He’s gotten so much better, too, over the years. This is his career-best year, he’s been great for several years and he’s particularly given us nightmares. But this year, it’s even different. It feels like you’re looking at modern-day Dirk Nowitzki. Out there, tonight, he basically did everything and he knows how to go early before you get your coverage to him,” Spoelstra said.
Vucevic was honored to hear those words coming from Spoelstra but he doesn’t think he can compare himself to the likes of Dirk Nowitzki.
“It means a lot when a coach like this said that. I don’t think I have Dirk moves. Dirk was very unique that’s why he’s one of the greatest ever do it. It’s an honour for me even the mention close to his name,” he said.
The short-handed Magic who’ve been struggling with injuries will try and bounce back on March 19th against the New York Knicks on the road.