The Orlando Magic has had a busy off-season, but quite puzzling at the same time.
They managed to sign Jeff Green, Bismack Biyombo, and traded Victor Oladipo for Serge Ibaka (who for the present time is a one year rental), which along with Biymbo creates a logjam in the frontcourt.
It creates some conflict on young and promising players Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic who already start for the Magic.
Vucevic was recently interviewed on the NBA’s Sirius XM Radio channel, and offered his thoughts on the chance that his position may be compromised.
I was starting. I don't expect that to change.I think I have proven I am definitely a starter in this league and I believe one of the best centers in this league.
Vucevic averaged 18.2 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game last season, and comes into the season making less than newcomer Biyombo, who has a much less polished offensive game, and only a couple of valuable skills, specifically, rebounding and shot blocking.
Ibaka comes in with a much more polished game that allows him to play center in a small lineup. He plays mainly at power forward, so it will take some creative coaching to give minutes to satisfy all four players next season.
The salary gap is not Vucevic's concern however, and he doesn’t see it affecting his position whatsoever.
I don't believe there is any reason for me to come off the bench. I have spoken to the Magic about it. They know that. That's no disrespect to Bismack and he proved a lot last season and had a great playoff. But I believe I will still be a starter and one of the main guys on the team going forward as well.
If coach Frank Vogel cannot get everyone on the same page, there may be some chemistry issues looming in Orlando.
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