The Orlando Magic’s season is right around the corner, and some of their key players have recently been putting in work together in preparation for what will be an important campaign.

On Tuesday, the Magic’s official X account shared photos of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Anthony Black, Nikola Vucevic and Wendell Carter Jr. working out together at the AdventHealth Training Center. Each player has gone through their own summer of rest, recovery and training, and now it is time to put it all together.

When the photos dropped, it got me thinking about what we should expect from each of these players this season. Now that I have identified those expectations for Banchero, Wagner, Carter and Black, that leaves Vucevic.

For fans of the Magic, the return of Vucevic is nostalgic.

Vucevic played for Orlando from 2012 to 2021, and his tenure with the team was intertwined with some of the lowest points the franchise has dealt with in its history. Despite all of the arduous seasons, Vucevic was a bright spot in the lineup.

It has been half a decade since Vucevic donned a Magic jersey, and he is an older player now, but this move brings more than just sentimental nostalgia. By adding Vucevic to this team, the organization is elevating a playoff-caliber team.

One of the Magic’s biggest weaknesses last season was bench production. By adding Vucevic, they bring in a real reinforcement. Now, it is on the big man to deliver.

Last season, Vucevic averaged 15.1 points and 8.4 rebounds in his time with the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics. At this stage of his career, that is pretty good and exactly what Orlando needs.

It is important to note that Vucevic’s numbers were reflective of his starting role in Chicago, but his basketball acumen will not waver, and he should remain productive in a different role.

With the departure of Moritz Wagner, the Magic needed to replace the type of production he provided when healthy. Vucevic is capable of that and more.

When it comes to spacing the floor and playing inside, Vucevic can do both. For Orlando to get a true bench boost, he needs to star in his role when his number is called.

Additionally, he needs to complement the starters he is on the floor with. New head coach Sean Sweeney places an emphasis on spacing in his offensive game plan, and Vucevic will be more skilled in that area than Goga Bitadze and, at this point, Jonathan Isaac, which leaves him as the sole viable reserve option in the front court.

For Vucevic, next season has the opportunity to be more than just a nice reunion. He can make a real impact, but he has to do it consistently for this team to truly benefit.