The Orlando Magic’s offseason was relatively quiet compared to other teams around the NBA, given they resigned two players, but the return and reunion of former franchise center Nikola Vučević gives Orlando another experienced piece heading into the 2026-27 season.
Bleacher Report’s bold prediction for Vučević is that he could shoot better than 40 percent from three-point range this season. This would provide strong spacing for a loaded starting lineup looking
Vučević’s second stint in Orlando is expected to look much different from his first. Rather than being one of the primary offensive options, Vučević is expected to provide size, physicality and spacing while playing a supporting role with the second unit. Vučević is looking to strongly improve the Magic’s second unit in an expected sixth-man role along with guard Anthony Black.
That reduced offensive responsibility could actually benefit his efficiency.
After averaging just 9.7 points in 21.1 minutes following his trade to the Boston Celtics at the deadline last season, Vučević could find himself in a similar complementary role with the Magic but with more expectations offensively in a supporting role.
Playing alongside offensive weapons such as Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane could allow Vučević to be more selective with his shots, particularly from beyond the arc, producing court spacing along the “core four”.
If he embraces that role, Bleacher Report believes Vučević has a chance to reach one of the most efficient three-point seasons of his career and potentially surpass the 40 percent mark for only the third time.
For Orlando, that would be a significant development for a team that has continued to search for more consistent shooting around its young core as they pursue their championship aspirations.
On a recent episode of Full Court Magic, host Don Strouble broke down why he believes Vučević's return is one of the best moves the Magic could have made this offseason, citing his familiarity with the organization, veteran leadership and ability to complement Orlando's young core.
"Free agent center Nikola Vučević has returned to the Orlando Magic... Vučević has talked before about his love for Orlando. I believe he still owns a home in the area, and so there was always this kind of good relationship and a good foundation that remained between the two parties... this is one of those value finds for the Magic, and they not only reunite with an important player in franchise history but they also address depth at the center position and they get a guy who is still very capable of producing a double-double. You know, despite being 35 years old, despite having some miles on his body and in his career, this is still a very productive player... passed up more lucrative offers in order to return to Orlando... I gave this one an A, not just for the nostalgia of it, but for getting a really reliable backup center."
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