Nikola Vucevic was arguably the biggest name to be moved during this year’s NBA Trade Deadline. The two-time All-Star now has a new home with the Chicago Bulls. This comes after spending nine seasons with the Orlando Magic. The Magic hit the reset button at the trade deadline trading away Vucevic and Aaron Gordon to the Denver Nuggets. Both players are already making an immediate impact as Vucevic is helping the Bulls make a playoff push in the Eastern Conference. So, what all does Vucevic bring to this young Chicago Bulls squad? Without further adieu, let’s delve into how Nikola Vucevic will help the Bulls.
Chicago Bulls: What Nikola Vucevic Brings to Their Team
Needed Post Presence
The Chicago Bulls were in desperate need of an intimidating force down low. Wendell Carter has some potential but did not have a future in the Windy City. Now, the Bulls possess a top-five center who is a proven All-Star. Someone who can be the difference between missing the postseason and actually sneaking in to gain some valuable playoff experience.
On the season, Vucevic is tallying totals of 24.2 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game while averaging an effective field goal percentage of 54.6 percent. This will allow the Bulls to become multi-dimensional now and take some needed pressure off of their star, Zach LaVine. As a matter of fact, this leads into the next aspect Vucevic brings to the table.
Star Power
The Chicago Bulls now have a nice star duo. We already went over Vucevic’s numbers on the season so far, but LaVine still does not get the credit he deserves. He made his first All-Star Game this season and is putting up numbers of 27.4 points, 4.7 assists, 4.9 rebounds per game, and an effective field goal percentage of 59.8 percent.
This duo now opens up new opportunities on the offensive end of the floor. Their pick and roll is deadly, but Vucevic can also step out and hit a jump shot in a pick and pop situation. Not to mention, Vucevic is a physical presence and his screens will also lead LaVine to easy shots at the rim. If we know anything about this league, you need at least two, if not three, star players to be a successful franchise.
Another Cornerstone to Build Around
Even though LaVine is the clear future of the Chicago Bulls, bringing in Nikola Vucevic increases their chances of cementing their All-Star shooting guard long term. They got their star some much-needed help and now, they can focus their attention on building a solid supporting cast around their new star duo. Vucevic is already making an immediate impact averaging 20.8 points, 3.6 assists, 9.8 rebounds per game, and an effective field goal percentage of 56.4 percent in just five games played with Chicago.
This showcases that the Bulls organization can make the 6’11 center a part of their long-term plans as they continue to rebuild. Things are already looking good. As of April 5, 2021, the Bulls are only a few games back of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. Vucevic was one of the hottest commodities at the NBA Trade Deadline, and the addition is already paying dividends for the Chicago Bulls.
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