Nikola Vucevic has an opportunity to continue climbing the Orlando Magic record books after returning to the franchise, but the veteran center has made it clear that individual milestones are secondary to winning.
As the Magic begin training camp ahead of the 2026-27 season, Vucevic acknowledged during Monday's Media Day that he has his sights on passing Nick Anderson for second place on Orlando's all-time scoring list. However, the 35-year-old said team success remains the larger priority during his reunion with the franchise.
“It’d be nice to catch Nick Anderson on the scoring list, but I think most importantly for me is that we have good team success, that we’re able to win,” Vucevic said. “That’s what I'm focused on and then if I get to break a couple of more records along the way it’d be great.”
Vucevic enters the season third on Orlando's all-time scoring list with 10,423 points. Anderson sits 227 points ahead of him at 10,650, while Dwight Howard holds the franchise record with 11,435.
The milestone gives Vucevic another opportunity to add to a lengthy history with the Magic after spending eight-plus seasons with the franchise during his first stint.
Nikola Vucevic returns to Orlando five years after 2021 trade
Vucevic's return to Orlando comes more than five years after the Magic traded him to the Chicago Bulls at the 2021 NBA trade deadline.
The deal sent Vucevic and Al-Farouq Aminu to Chicago in exchange for Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter Jr. and two future first-round picks. The move ended Vucevic's first stint in Orlando, during which he developed into a two-time All-Star and became one of the most productive players in franchise history.
Vucevic spent the next several seasons with Chicago before the Bulls traded him to the Boston Celtics during the 2025-26 season. His stint in Boston ultimately preceded an opportunity to return to the organization where he spent the prime years of his career.
“For me obviously being back here after five years, everybody knows how much Orlando means to me and so I’m very excited to be back,” Vucevic said. “I think what I’m most excited about is the opportunity we have with this group of guys, very talented team.”
Article Continues BelowVucevic prioritizes winning over chasing Nick Anderson in Magic reunion
Unlike during much of his first stint, Vucevic returns to a Magic roster built around a young core with postseason experience.
Vucevic specifically pointed toward Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane while discussing the opportunity ahead. He has also been encouraged by the team's early approach under first-year head coach Sean Sweeney.
“Obviously led by Paolo, Franz, and Desmond… but just guys being around them for this very short period so far, just guys that are really locked in – they really want to win, they want to take the next step, and so I’m excited to be part of it,” Vucevic said.
The veteran center also believes his experience can help Orlando's core take that next step.
“And hopefully I can help with my experience and what I bring on the court and also getting to work with coach Sweeney and his staff, so far it’s been a lot of positives… his basketball knowledge is very high, the way he likes to do things,” Vucevic said. “I think it would be very good for this team so yeah, just excited for the season. I think we have a good chance and hopefully we can take advantage of it.”
Passing Anderson would mark another significant achievement in Vucevic's Magic career. This time around, however, he wants that individual milestone to come alongside something more important — team success.