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Toronto Raptors: Predicting the 2018 buyout market

By Mike Bossetti

PHILADELPHIA, PA - May 5: Ersan Ilyasova #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - May 5: Ersan Ilyasova #23 of the Philadelphia 76ers shoots the ball against the Boston Celtics during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semi Finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 5, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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TORONTO, ON – APRIL 8 – Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) and Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) struggle for the ball in the 1st half as the Toronto Raptors host the Orlando Magic in Air Canada Centre, Toronto, April 8. April 8, 2018. Bernard Weil/Toronto Star (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images)
TORONTO, ON – APRIL 8 – Toronto Raptors guard Kyle Lowry (7) and Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) struggle for the ball in the 1st half as the Toronto Raptors host the Orlando Magic in Air Canada Centre, Toronto, April 8. April 8, 2018. Bernard Weil/Toronto Star (Bernard Weil/Toronto Star via Getty Images) /

Nikola Vucevic:

Often forgot about while playing for one of the NBA’s most irrelevant franchises for the past six years, Nikola Vucevic is a good NBA player.

Last season Vucevic averaged 16.8 points on just under league average efficiency for one of the most anemic offenses in the entire NBA. If surrounded by any amount of shooting or playmaking Vuc’s efficiency is bound to improve.

At 7’0″, 260 lbs, Vucevic is a behemoth down low. He bullies defenders in the paint and on the glass, averaging nearly 10 rebounds per game over the course of his career.

Vucevic is in many ways similar to Jonas Valanciunas. Like Valanciunas, Vucevic has also attempted to expand his shooting in order to modernize his game.

Last season Vucevic shot only 31.4-percent, but was attempting a blistering 3.6 three’s per game. When you’re in Orlando, sometimes there aren’t very many options.

Orlando’s incentive to part ways with Vucevic is clear. The team just drafted Mo Bamba with the 6th overall pick in the NBA draft and is clearly moving in another direction.

Unfortunately for Toronto, Vucevic is good enough and young enough that he may just warrant trade consideration. Orlando is unlikely to make a splash next offseason, and if someone wants to trade bad-salary and picks for Vucevic, a deal might make sense for both sides.

Another possible hiccup: With the potential to still receive a considerable contract next season, Vucevic will likely search for playing time more than championship contention. A factor that does not swing in Toronto’s favor.