Nikola Vucevic Rumors | Hoops Rumors

Magic Rumors: Vogel, Vucevic, Gordon

February 2nd, 2017 at 7:34pm CST by Dana Gauruder

Magic coach Frank Vogel thought he walked into a much better situation than he’s encountered, as John Denton of the team’s website relays. Orlando is 13 games under .500, much to the chagrin of its first-year coach. “I anticipated being as far over .500 as we are under .500 right now,” Vogel told Denton and other reporters. The additions of veterans like Serge Ibaka and Bismack Biyombo have not made the desired impact and Vogel admits the pieces haven’t fit as well as expected, Denton adds. “I thought it had the potential to be a lot better than we’ve shown this year. But in basketball, the names, the faces and the contracts that are put together don’t always equate to a great mix and the pieces fitting,” Vogel said. “What you do is do the best job you can assembling it and hope the pieces fit. Sometimes, it really fits and the rhythm is there and sometimes it’s not there.”

In other developments involving the team:

Trade rumors involving Nikola Vucevic and Ibaka show how poorly the team’s roster rebuild has gone, David Whitley of the Orlando Sentinel opines. The club cannot stand pat before the trade deadline but another major reboot is in store for the franchise, Whitley continues. Missing out on star talents like Andrew Wiggins and Kristaps Porzingis, while drafting Aaron Gordon, Elfrid Payton and Mario Hezonja in the lottery, has put the Magic in this predicament, Whitley adds.
Gordon has the potential to be a future Defensive Player of the Year, Denton writes in a separate piece. Gordon has the ability to guard any position because of his 6’9” length, his strength, his superior athleticism and his lateral quickness, Denton continues. Gordon realizes Orlando has to become a winner before he gains more notoriety around the league for his defensive ability, Denton adds. “To be D-POY, you’ve got to get more wins,” Gordon told Denton. “I don’t care how good of a defender you are, if your team isn’t getting wins, you aren’t going to get D-POY.”

Southeast Rumors: Magic, Wizards, Sanders, Ibaka

January 31st, 2017 at 4:12pm CST by Luke Adams

Weighing in on recent Serge Ibaka and Nikola Vucevic rumors, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders reports that the majority of trade talks the Magic have been involved in are “very exploratory” in nature. That applies to the Vucevic talks with the Celtics, in particular, with sources telling Kyler that no deal involving Vucevic going to Boston was ever “actively under consideration.”

The Magic have been very active in pursuing potential deals, with GM Rob Hennigan recently vowing to be aggressive as he attempts to improve the roster. But Orlando doesn’t appear ready to make a deal yet, and sources who have talked to the team tell Kyler that the Magic may be overvaluing some of the players on their roster.

Here’s more from around the Southeast:

Larry Sanders, who is attempting an NBA comeback, is on the Wizards‘ radar, but Washington’s interest in Sanders depends on Ian Mahinmi‘s health, sources tell J. Michael of CSNMidAtlantic.com. If Mahinmi can return to the court for the Wizards, the team’s interest in Sanders would fade. Michael also adds that Washington doesn’t have interest in trading for Ibaka.
There were some offseason questions about the relationship on and off the court between Wizards guards Bradley Beal and John Wall, but Beal is tired of answering questions on that topic, as Ohm Youngmisuk of ESPN.com writes. Appearing on ESPN Radio’s NBA Insiders, Beal said that his relationship with Wall is going “really well” this season. “It’s kind of getting old, people saying that we don’t agree and that we don’t click,” Beal said. “We’re just going out and proving it on the floor.”
The Heat‘s supporting cast has played a huge role in the team’s recent winning streak, and many of those players are eligible for free agency this summer. In a mailbag, Ira Winderman of The South Florida Sun Sentinel examines whether it makes sense for the club to try to keep players like Dion Waiters, James Johnson, and Willie Reed beyond this season.

Celtics, Magic Have Discussed Nikola Vucevic

January 27th, 2017 at 9:12pm CST by Milo Taibi

The Celtics have talked to the Magic about a potential deal involving Nikola Vucevic, A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE reports. Boston GM Danny Ainge is looking for big men who can score and rebound, Blakely writes, which would make Vucevic an ideal fit.

Currently in the second year of a four-year, $53MM contract, Vucevic was connected to the Heat last week in a potential deal involving Goran Dragic. Now 26 years old, Vucevic is averaging 13.8 points with 9.8 rebounds through 44 games in 2016/17. The big man sat out three games in December due to a back injury, but has otherwise returned to form after a slow start to his season, scoring 16.7 points over his last seven games.

Vucevic would be an immediate upgrade in Boston’s frontcourt. Coach Brad Stevens is currently using Al Horford at center and a mix of Jonas Jerebko, Kelly Olynyk, and Amir Johnson at the four. Vucevic, who has been subject to trade rumors throughout much of his six-year career, explained his approach to CSNNE as the trade deadline approaches.

“There’s been a lot (of rumors) about me this season. I haven’t paid attention to it. I don’t read that much. It’s all rumors; you can’t control them. At the end of the day, what happens, happens.”

Magic Offered Heat Vucevic For Dragic

January 20th, 2017 at 10:07am CST by Arthur Hill

Orlando tried to pick up Miami point guard Goran Dragic, offering center Nikola Vucevic and a future first-rounder in return, reports Marc Stein of ESPN.com.

Miami rejected the offer as the Heat already have Hassan Whiteside manning the middle on a maximum deal he signed in July. Still, it confirms persistent rumors that Orlando has interest in acquiring Dragic.

The Heat don’t seem to be interested in dealing Dragic before the February 23rd deadline, Stein adds. The 30-year-old still has three seasons and more than $54MM left on his contract. Vucevic, who has been in and out of the starting lineup this season, is signed for two more years at $25MM.

Southeast Notes: Hezonja, Wall, Heat

January 14th, 2017 at 8:48am CST by Austin Kent

Second-year shooting guard Mario Hezonja will get a shot at reclaiming his spot in the Magic rotation, writes Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel. The 21-year-old slipped out of head coach Frank Vogel‘s core lineup in mid-November.

For the next little while at least, expect Hezonja to back up starting small forward Aaron Gordon when the Magic elect to run a small ball lineup with Jeff Green at the four. After racking up 13 DNP-CDs in the first 40 games of the season, Hezonja will take what he can get.

“I’m 300% ready,” Hezonja said Friday. “I’ve got to use that in a smart way and manage all that energy. I’ve got to manage it in the right way so the team wins.”

In another piece, John Denton of the Magic’s website, explores other ways Vogel is shaking up his lineup – including returning Nikola Vucevic to the starting lineup.

There’s more new out of the Southeast Division today:

The Magic should pay, and perhaps overpay, to keep Serge Ibaka in Orlando, writes Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel. Schmitz argues that the 27-year-old big man has been the team’s best player on both ends of the floor. Ibaka has averaged 15.5 points and 7.2 rebounds per game through Orlando’s first 40.
An MRI on John Wall‘s right-hand pinkie finger came back negative, says Stephen Whyno of the Associated Press. The Wizards guard is expected to play through the injury so long as he’s able to properly stabilize it and that it doesn’t impact his shot. “One thing I know about John, being around him for the six or seven months now, he is as tough as they come,” head coach Scott Brooks said. “He’s going to put himself out there, which is definitely something that I admire.”
Danuel House, Sheldon McClellan and Daniel Ochefu have been able to breath easier since Tuesday, writes Candace Buckner of the Washington Post. January 10 marked the day that the three undrafted rookies saw their partially guaranteed contracts become guaranteed with the Wizards. Buckner discusses their frames of mind prior to the deadline.
The Heat are doing their due diligence when it comes to fielding trade offers, so Ira Winderman of the Sun Sentinel went so far as to break down each major player’s case as an available asset.

Magic Notes: Dragic, Crabbe, Vucevic, Harkless

January 13th, 2017 at 1:00pm CST by Arthur Hill

Orlando is among several teams that have contacted the Heat about Goran Dragic, according to Zach Lowe of ESPN.com. The Magic are looking to solidify their point guard position, which belonged to Elfrid Payton when the season began, but was taken over by D.J. Augustin in late November. Dragic still has three years and more than $54MM left on his current contract. He is averaging 19.0 points and 6.5 assists in 32 games this season, but has missed time recently with back problems.

There’s more news today out of Orlando:

After losing six of their last seven and dropping to 16-24, the Magic need to act quickly to save their season, writes Brian Schmitz of The Orlando Sentinel. Offense has been a problem for Orlando all year, and Schmitz says the team needs to find a scorer who can create his own shot. He suggests Allen Crabbe of the Trail Blazers as a realistic target and suggests offering, possibly with shot-blocking center Bismack Biyombo going to Portland in return.
Nikola Vucevic will be back in the starting lineup tonight, with Biyombo coming off the bench, according to Josh Robbins of The Orlando Sentinel. Vucevic was demoted along with Payton in the November shakeup. Coach Frank Vogel plans to utilize more “small-ball” lineups with Jeff Green moving to power forward and Mario Hezonja back in the rotation as a backup small forward.
The Magic made a huge error when they gave up on Maurice Harkless two years ago, Robbins argues in a separate piece. After three disappointing seasons in Orlando, Harkless was traded to Portland in the summer of 2015 in exchange for a second-round draft pick in 2020. He was a regular starter for the Blazers during last year’s playoffs and has started all 40 games in which he has appeared this season. “It was a tough situation: a lot of guys trying to figure it out, including the staff and the front office,” Harkless said of his time in Orlando. “It was a unique situation. It was tough. Obviously, it wasn’t going to work out for everybody. I think a change of scenery is what I needed.”

Magic May Try To Trade Vucevic, Payton

December 24th, 2016 at 5:38pm CST by Arthur Hill

The Magic would like to find a taker for center Nikola Vucevic, according to Brian Windhorst of ESPN. Appearing on a podcast with Zach Lowe, Windhorst said Orlando is hoping to make major changes that may also include point guard Elfrid Payton.

After trading for power forward Serge Ibaka over the summer and signing center Bismack Biyombo, the Magic are off to a disappointing 14-18 start. Coach Frank Vogel made some lineup changes last month that included sending Vucevic to the bench. Vucevic, who protested the demotion, is now averaging 27.8 minutes per night, the fewest in his five years in Orlando. His scoring has dropped dramatically, from 18.2 points per game a year ago to 12.8 this season.

Vucevic signed a four-year extension in 2014 and still has two more seasons and $25MM left on his contract.

The Magic are also “down” on Payton, Windhorst adds. The third-year point guard lost his starting job to D.J. Augustin in the November shakeup. Payton is still on his rookie contract and is under team control through the 2017/18 season.

Windhorst says Payton caused a lot of friction between the Orlando front office, which traded two first-round picks to acquire him, and former coach Scott Skiles, who didn’t believe he was good enough to play. The reporter adds that the Magic could be a potential destination for Goran Dragic if the Heat decide to move him.

Eastern Notes: Vucevic, Mirotic, Canaan, Pistons

November 27th, 2016 at 11:03pm CST by Arthur Hill

Magic coach Frank Vogel shook up the starting lineup tonight with D.J. Augustin, Bismack Biyombo and Aaron Gordon replacing Elfrid Payton, Nikola Vucevic and Jeff Green, writes Josh Robbins of The Orlando Sentinel. The change was prompted by a three-game losing streak, but not much improved with an eight-point loss to the Bucks.

Vucevic promised to keep a professional attitude about the move, but he clearly isn’t endorsing it. “I spoke to Frank about it last night, and obviously I wasn’t happy with the decision they made,” the sixth-year center said to Zach Oliver of OPP Magic Blog. “I didn’t think there was a reason for me to go to the bench, but it’s coach’s decision. All I can do is control what I can control, which is when I’m on the court play to the best of my ability and help the team win. Stay professional and whatever is going on, I’ll keep giving my best and give them my full effort.”

There’s more from the Eastern Conference:

Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic hopes to stay in the NBA rather than return to Europe after his contract expires at the end of this season, according to K.C. Johnson of The Chicago Tribune. The former Real Madrid star is wrapping up a three-year, $16.6MM deal. He calls Chicago “a great city” and says he wants to continue to take on the challenges that the NBA presents. “I think [the NBA] is the best place I can grow as a player,” Mirotic said. “I was very comfortable in Madrid. … That was a perfect place to stay and be in a comfort zone, to sign another five years. But that’s not who I am. I like the challenges. … And I came here to prove that I’m ready.”
A season and a half in Philadelphia has helped Bulls guard Isaiah Canaan appreciate the chance to be on a winning team, writes Jessica Camerato of CSNPhilly. Canaan signed with Chicago over the summer after the Sixers declined to submit a qualifying offer. “I say it was a blessing for the opportunity, just to prove I can help a team out and show what I can bring,” Canaan said. “It was a humbling experience for me just to have to go through something like that and learn not to take anything for granted.”
A June meeting at a Tigers game between Pistons owner Tom Gores and the Ilitch family, which owns the Red Wings, led to the Pistons’ move downtown next season, relays Vince Ellis of The Detroit Free Press.

Magic Notes: Vogel, Biyombo, Vucevic

November 5th, 2016 at 5:30pm CST by ChrisCrouse

Coach Frank Vogel enjoys the versatility that the Magic have in the frontcourt, John Denton of NBA.com writes. “We’re solid, rock-solid up front with our three big guys,’’ Vogel said. “We’ve got great weapons and they’re working on [the offensive and defensive] ends. [Bismack Biyombo] is working on his free throws and being a menace on the glass, while [Nikola Vucevic] is working hard on the defensive end. So, I feel very, very strongly about our center position.’’ Orlando acquired Serge Ibaka in a draft night trade and added Biyombo in free agency to bolster a frontcourt led by Vucevic.

Here’s more from Orlando:

Vogel went on to discuss how Biyombo’s game complements Vucevic’s shooting, Denton adds in the same piece. “The value of a Bismack Biyombo is the speed and agility that he has at the center position,’’ Vogel said. “To be able to show on a pick-and-roll and get back to these guys who are [shooting] threats and also be a presence in containment, that’s huge for us.’’
Biyombo believes communication has been a key reason why the Magic’s second unit has been successful, Denton writes in a separate piece. “Our second unit probably talks a lot more about the game on the bench before we go into the game and that helps us,’’ Biyombo said. “We can recognize the mistakes being made, how we can play the opponent and how we can adjust to the game.’’
Despite having three starting-caliber big men, defensive rebounding has been an issue for the Magic so far this season, Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel argues. Vogel admits that while the players need time to adjust to a new scheme, defensive rebounding shouldn’t depend on players working well together. “I think it’s a habit,” Vogel said. “It’s a habit that’s got to be ingrained in you. There’s two elements of it. There’s the containment aspect, and then there’s just the habit of hitting your man every shot and being physical with it.”

Southeast Notes: Wizards, Satoransky, Heat, Vucevic

November 3rd, 2016 at 1:50pm CST by Luke Adams

Earlier today, we passed along a report detailing the Wizards‘ interest in locking up Otto Porter to a long-term deal, despite the fact that the two sides didn’t work anything out before this week’s rookie scale extension deadline. We have several more items out of the Southeast to round up, including a couple other Wizards-related notes, so let’s dive in…

After signing one of the more lucrative deals this offseason for a draft-and-stash prospect, Wizards guard Tomas Satoransky hasn’t seen much action out of the gate for his new team. As J. Michael of CSNMidAtlantic.com details though, head coach Scott Brooks‘ tone suggests it’s a matter of when – not if – Satoransky gets a longer look.
After being selected in the first round of the 2012 draft by the Magic, Andrew Nicholson never developed into a core piece in Orlando, but he’s gotten a fresh start with the Wizards and is enjoying the fit in D.C., writes Mike Ganter of The Toronto Sun.
The Heat have made some savvy lower-profile moves over the last couple summers that could pay dividends, according to Barry Jackson of The Miami Herald, who points to team-friendly deals for Josh Richardson, Rodney McGruder, and Luke Babbitt as nice assets for the club.
Magic center Nikola Vucevic, who has blossomed into a productive NBA player during his time in Orlando, occasionally wonders how his career would have played out if he hadn’t been dealt by the Sixers, says Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. “You never know what could have happened,” Vucevic said. “I got traded. It worked out for me great.”