Nikola Vucevic has entered his 15th NBA season and has only participated in 16 playoff games. His recent trade to the Boston Celtics offers him a valuable chance to play for a competitive team.
The Celtics traded guard Anfernee Simons to the Chicago Bulls in exchange for Vucevic, bringing in size and experience to their roster. Boston is currently performing well, sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference, even with All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum sidelined. This is a new experience for Vucevic, who has not finished higher than sixth in his career.
Nikola Vucevic’s Struggles with the Bulls
The Bulls acquired Vucevic, along with Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan, in a 2021 team makeover. During the 2021-22 season, the Bulls led the Eastern Conference for 60 games, but struggled after Ball’s knee injury, which kept him out for the remainder of that season and the next two. They ended the season in sixth place and lost in the first round of the playoffs.
Despite the Bulls’ ongoing challenges, Vucevic consistently contributed, averaging 18.1 points and 10.5 rebounds over his six seasons there, missing only 29 games. He was named an All-Star twice and rarely expressed dissatisfaction. However, he recently shared his frustration, stating, “It’s not fun when you’re in the same position year after year, especially when you can’t get out of that play-in.”
Nikola Vucevic’s Potential Playoff Experience
Vucevic’s addition to the Celtics provides them with a solid center who can enhance both their defensive rebounding and three-point shooting. The Celtics have previously succeeded with Al Horford and Kristaps Porzingis extending opposing defenses, and Vucevic can replicate that role.
He brings a strong desire to win in the playoffs, something he has missed throughout his career, beyond a record of 3-12 from 2018 to 2022. This enthusiasm could rejuvenate a Celtics team accustomed to lengthy playoff runs.
Moreover, Vucevic has been a reliable center for over ten years, and he might end up with more career rebounds than Dennis Rodman. He deserves the opportunity to shine in the postseason with teammates who match his level of skill.