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By John DentonDec. 30, 2015
ORLANDO – Asked on Monday night if he would be willing to campaign for Nikola Vucevic to be named to the Eastern Conference all-star team, Orlando Magic coach Scott Skiles said he shouldn’t have to make a case for the standout center.
After all, the statistics speak for themselves as they relate to the all-around dominance that Vucevic has played with thus far. Another factor that should serve as a big benefit for Vucevic – his Magic are one of the most improved teams in the NBA this season, and the 7-footer is a big reason why.
Vucevic heads into Orlando’s game against Brooklyn tonight at the Amway Center leading a Magic team that is 12-5 since Nov. 25, the best record in the Eastern Conference during that time. In his last six games – all of them 20-point performances – Vucevic has averaged 23.7 point, 9.2 rebounds and 3.8 assists while shooting 58.8 percent from the floor. Making it even more impressive, Vucevic has accomplished it all against the likes of Dwight Howard (21 points), Anthony Davis (28 points), Hassan Whiteside (22 points), Al Horford (20 points), Robin Lopez (26 points) and Mason Plumlee (25 points).
Likes Skiles said, it’s pretty obvious why Vucevic should be in the conversation to make his first NBA All-Star Game.
``I don’t think it should be anything that’s begged for. It should be fairly obvious – and I’m sure that it is to the coaches in the East – that he is a very, very high-level player,’’ Skiles said. ``When that time comes (to name the all-star teams) it’s going to depend on our record at that time and how he continues to play. But as I said, all of his talents are on display almost every night right now, and it’s so obvious.’’
What’s also obvious is how Vucevic has improved his all-around game. To wit: