Magic center Nikola Vucevic has given the team a feel-good story in the midst of an otherwise difficult campaign, Roy Parry of the Orlando Sentinel writes.
Vucevic, who was named an All-Star for the second time of his career this season, is averaging an impressive 24.6 points, 11.6 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game. He’s also shooting a career-high 41% from three-point range in his 36 contests.
“You get selected among 24 players out of 450 to make it and it’s a special feeling and a huge honor, something I’m very proud of,” Vucevic said. “It just shows that you’ve achieved a great level of respect from coaches around the league, other players around the league, and when you’re able to make it multiple times it kind of fortifies that.”
There’s more from the Southeast Division tonight:
- Anthony Chiang of The Miami Herald examines Andre Iguodala‘s veteran impact on the Heat. Iguodala, a former Finals MVP, is currently in his 18th NBA season. “He brings that stability on the floor and even off the floor,” teammate Goran Dragic said of Iguodala. “He has got a lot of experience. He has been in a lot of tough games. He won championships. So it’s always nice to have a guy next to you to ask for some advice. He’s like an open book. … Him, [Udonis Haslem], those two guys are tremendous for our team.”
- Ira Winderman of The Sun Sentinel explores whether the Heat should trade for a star player now — even if it impacts the team’s long-term flexibility. Miami has expressed interest in several combo forwards ahead of the March 25 deadline, winning seven of its final 10 games before the All-Star break.
- The Hornets have recalled centers Vernon Carey Jr. and Nick Richards from their G League affiliate in Greensboro, the team announced (Twitter link). The team also announced (via Twitter) that two-way players Grant Riller and Nate Darling were transferred from the NBAGL to Charlotte.
I’m not sure what star player the Heat could realistically trade for… Beal seems out of reach and there don’t seem to be many other stars on the trade block. They could go and get Oladipo, but I don’t think he would move the needle that much. Vucevic, perhaps?
Agreed. Unless they’re going to trade Bam, I don’t see teams unloading a star for Tyler Herro
No star is available till 23 unless Kawahi gets weird, trade or free agency really
Big call for Mia , Id much rather just get DeRozan than Ola for free next offseason.OR …… Mia is savvy with the books , perhaps just some more (better) 1 yr inks next year and kick the can down the road some more…. – Long as you got expiring’s and 1sts you’ll always have a chance to pounce whenever need be…. Mia is an attractive destination right now player wise for a multitude of reasons so there’s no worry there
I don’t think they’ll engage in anything huge in the next 18days but are very well positioned to make a nice mid-scale trade without giving up too much from the war chest
I know Iggy brings a lot of experience and intangibles to the team, but is it really savvy of Miami to be paying him around $16M/year? Seems like a lot.
It’s only $, not even yours, so what do you care whatever he makes, never has a player been overpaid, unless they forced at gunpoint a team to give them the contract they want… teams offer contracts to players that they accept or not, or players ask for $ & the team may or may not accept!
So again it don’t matter what he gets paid, if MIA & their fans are happy, no one has the right to have an issue with it, right?
you talkn bout beasley. weird choice of words. lol