Orlando Magic would choose Nikola Vučević over Tobias Harris?

Feb 9, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic small forward Tobias Harris (12) and Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) high five against the Indiana Pacers during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Indiana Pacers 93-92. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Orlando Magic have won just 43 games over the past two seasons but have still done a nice job of collecting young talent. Two of those players – center Nikola Vučević and forward Tobias Harris – are looking for new contracts.

"NBA executives covet flexibility these days, and signing both Vucevic and Harris to lucrative long-term extensions would impinge upon the maneuvers the Magic could make in free agency as well as the trade market, since both would be subject to the Poison Pill Provision this year. It seems more likely that Hennigan would choose to secure Vucevic rather than Harris, given the scarcity of quality inside players like Vucevic around the league and the multitude of options the Magic have at the positions Harris plays. The Magic would still retain the ability to match offers for Harris in restricted free agency next summer if they pass on an extension. Even though this year’s restricted free agency has been difficult to predict, there’s no reason for Orlando to bet against itself for a player who still has much to prove."

The Magic have other forwards like Maurice Harkless and the fourth-overall pick of this year’s draft, Aaron Gordon, and centers are harder to find, so Myron’s point is well-taken.

Harris put up 14.6 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game while shooting 46.4% from the field, 25.4% from beyond the arc and 80.7% from the charity stripe. In his career, he’s averaged 10.8 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.1 assists per game while shooting 46.1% from the floor, 28.0% from three and 79.1% from the free throw line. Vučević averaged 14.2 points, 11.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.8 blocks per game while shooting 50.7% from the field and 76.6% from the free throw line last season. In his three-year career, he’s put up 11.4 points, 9.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.8 steals per game while shooting 50.4% from the floor, 27.3% from downtown and 70.4% from the charity stripe.

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