Nikola Vuchevich likes to go back to a magic uniform for the first time since it was sold five years ago, writes Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel (subscription required). The veteran center spent more than eight years in Orlando before being traded to Chicago at the 2021 trade deadline. He returned to the team as a free agent this summer and feels right at home, even with a new coaching staff and an almost entirely new roster around him.
“I must say I think I look pretty good in blue with white stripes.” – said Vucevych. “It felt pretty natural to be back in that blue. It was good to be back. It was good to get out there with the guys, but I think the real, true feeling will probably come on opening night. It was still nice to be out there and feel it, so (we’ll) just keep building on it.”
Vucevic made his preseason debut Wednesday at Memphis, scoring nine points and grabbing three rebounds in 12 minutes off the bench. He is expected to be the primary backup Wendell Carter Jr this season.
There are more from the Southeast Division:
- magic coach Sean Sweeney offered updates on several injured players after Saturday’s practice, Bide adds in the same piece. Anthony Blackwho has a sprained right ankle, and Noah Pendawho is dealing with a strained right hamstring, both were full participants for the second straight day. Jalen Suggs is progressing through the illness, but Swinney did not guarantee that either would play in Sunday’s game in Cleveland. “For any of these guys, you can’t miss the steps” Sweeney said. “Maybe you can take them a little faster, but overall it’s one step at a time.” Jonathan Isaac missed Wednesday’s competition due to personal reasons and did not attend practice open to the media on Friday or Saturday.
- Lugentz is therewho was acquired from Oklahoma City in the offseason, will make his preseason debut with Hawks tonight, according to Locked on Hawks’ Brad Rowland (Link to Twitter). “It’s hard to say what position he’ll be in because he can guard just about every position.” coach Quinn Snyder told reporters before the game. “There are some centers you can put it in.”
- Wizards a great man Alex Sar also sees his first preseason action tonight, marking his first game since underwent surgery in June to rehabilitate a broken right leg, according to The Athletic’s Josh Robbins (Link to Twitter).