Orlando Magic’s Nikola Vucevic named Eastern Conference Player of the Week

The Orlando Magic have had it rough since Dwight Howard was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

The team has won 41 total games in just under two seasons since his departure.

One bright spot has been center Nikola Vucevic, who was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers in the Howard trade.

Vucevic has been a double double machine and helped the Magic to two victories (and nearly a third) this week.

The NBA has rewarded Vucevic for his play, naming him the league’s Eastern Conference Player of the Week.

"Vucevic led the Magic to a 2-1 week, which included wins over the Portland Trail Blazers and Charlotte Bobcats, behind averages of 22.7 points (sixth in the conference) and a league leading 14.3 rebounds. He posted a point-rebound double-double in all three contests, including a 24-point, 23-rebound effort on March 28, during Orlando’s 110-105 win over Charlotte."

On the season, Vucevic is averaging 14.4 points, 11.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 1.0 steals per game.

Other candidates included Paul Pierce of the Brooklyn Nets, Al Jefferson of the Charlotte Bobcats, Dion Waiters of the Cleveland Cavaliers and LeBron James of the Miami Heat.

San Antonio Spurs’ legend Tim Duncan won in the Western Conference.