Should more teams be looking at Vucevic?

[Godymas]

I really don't understand why Vucevic as a trade target doesn't get brought up more and more.

It feels like he's almost forgotten about in Chicago. Some people seem to think he's a negative asset overall.

Look, he's not prime Orlando Vucevic, he's clearly out of his prime today, but last year he did drop 18-10 on moderate efficiency. I guess you could say it was "bad" efficiency, but considering Vooch doesn't even have a starting PG the numbers themselves were really not that bad. It's not even a far cry from his All Star efficiency.

The thing is, he's a veteran starting center that can clearly put up numbers and is actually on a really solid contract all things considered. I know that historically $20 million a year is a ton of money. Let me list some of the names that make more money than Vucevic.

Marcus Smart
Lonzo Ball
DeAndre Hunter
DIllon Brooks
Clint Capela
Bruce Brown Jr.
Jaden McDaniels
Kyle Kuzma
Cameron Johnson
Terry Rozier
John Collins
Andrew Wiggins
Devin Vassell
DeAndre Ayton

These are guys in the non All Star to average starter category. I think Vucevic can contribute more than at least half these names on the list, at least on offense.

Now let's talk about the supposed "weakness" of Vucevic which is defense. Now it's easy to call out that Vooch is not some elite rim blocker, or switchable big, BUT defense is primarily team driven.

During the 2022-2023 season the Chicago Bulls had the 5th best defense in the entire NBA. They had the 5th best defense in the NBA and Nikola Vucevic played in all 82 games that season averaging 33 mpg. You heard that right, Vucevic played all 82 games. That in itself is the most insane stat of that entire sentence.

Like I gotta be honest here, multiple teams need to heavily consider pursuing Vucevic to take the pressure off their star scoring big men. I'm looking at the OKC Thunder with Chet, I'm looking at the Spurs with Wemby. I'm looking at the Orlando Magic who could very much welcome a reunion of Vucevic to help drive their offense off the bench. There are probably other teams where the fit is justified. The Warriors could 100% make Vucevic work in their system. Vucevic could work in Indiana next to Myles Turner and Siakam. I think there are so many teams that could benefit from a guy that can get you 18-10 while playing next to 25+ ppg 1st and 2nd options. There are teams that need the kick Vucevic can bring on offense and don't mind his lack of ability on defense (which, as stated earlier is grossly overrated).

[BigGargamel]

Your thread makes sense, but Chicago is dead set on winning 36-42 games every single year, and trading Vucevic would derail that goal.

[Tetlak]

He has zero athleticism, was literally the least efficient high volume jump shooter in the NBA last season, and the Bulls were that good on defense in spite of Vuc due to having pretty good POA defenders and having success OVERhelping due to Vuc's limitations. This is why they give up so many 3s.

He's a connector who has a high bball IQ, but he is nothing more than a role player at this point.

[Magic_Johnny12]

Your thread makes sense, but Chicago is dead set on winning 36-42 games every single year, and trading Vucevic would derail that goal.

Are they though this year? Don’t they have all the reason to bottom out this season to keep their pick and try for Flagg?

[BigGargamel]

Your thread makes sense, but Chicago is dead set on winning 36-42 games every single year, and trading Vucevic would derail that goal.

Are they though this year? Don’t they have all the reason to bottom out this season to keep their pick and try for Flagg?

All I am reading is that they are going to resign Derozan. But maybe trading Caruso means they might actually try a rebuild or tank. We shall see.

[Bornstellar]

He's such a negative on defense that I can't see many teams willing to pay him or give him a big role. Bigs that can't stay on the floor because of their defense are becoming increasingly rare in the current NBA

[toooskies]

I really don't understand why Vucevic as a trade target doesn't get brought up more and more.

It feels like he's almost forgotten about in Chicago. Some people seem to think he's a negative asset overall.

Look, he's not prime Orlando Vucevic, he's clearly out of his prime today, but last year he did drop 18-10 on moderate efficiency. I guess you could say it was "bad" efficiency, but considering Vooch doesn't even have a starting PG the numbers themselves were really not that bad. It's not even a far cry from his All Star efficiency.

The thing is, he's a veteran starting center that can clearly put up numbers and is actually on a really solid contract all things considered. I know that historically $20 million a year is a ton of money. Let me list some of the names that make more money than Vucevic.

Marcus Smart
Lonzo Ball
DeAndre Hunter
DIllon Brooks
Clint Capela
Bruce Brown Jr.
Jaden McDaniels
Kyle Kuzma
Cameron Johnson
Terry Rozier
John Collins
Andrew Wiggins
Devin Vassell
DeAndre Ayton

These are guys in the non All Star to average starter category. I think Vucevic can contribute more than at least half these names on the list, at least on offense.

Now let's talk about the supposed "weakness" of Vucevic which is defense. Now it's easy to call out that Vooch is not some elite rim blocker, or switchable big, BUT defense is primarily team driven.

During the 2022-2023 season the Chicago Bulls had the 5th best defense in the entire NBA. They had the 5th best defense in the NBA and Nikola Vucevic played in all 82 games that season averaging 33 mpg. You heard that right, Vucevic played all 82 games. That in itself is the most insane stat of that entire sentence.

Like I gotta be honest here, multiple teams need to heavily consider pursuing Vucevic to take the pressure off their star scoring big men. I'm looking at the OKC Thunder with Chet, I'm looking at the Spurs with Wemby. I'm looking at the Orlando Magic who could very much welcome a reunion of Vucevic to help drive their offense off the bench. There are probably other teams where the fit is justified. The Warriors could 100% make Vucevic work in their system. Vucevic could work in Indiana next to Myles Turner and Siakam. I think there are so many teams that could benefit from a guy that can get you 18-10 while playing next to 25+ ppg 1st and 2nd options. There are teams that need the kick Vucevic can bring on offense and don't mind his lack of ability on defense (which, as stated earlier is grossly overrated).

Vucevic had a TS% of .540 last year, which is well below the league average and even further below the league average for centers. Comparing his current TS% to his prime illustrates two things: that he was never all that efficient to begin with, and that he has not kept up with the rest of the league as the league gets more efficient.

His appeal at this point in his career is that he's a stretch big and he shot 30% from three last year. He hasn't had a positive plus-minus or on-off since 2019-20. His DRB% also started slipping last year.

The concept of Vucevic is a lot more appealing than the reality.

[KokoKaizer]

Vucevic is perfect for treadmill or tanking.

Who wants him ?

[ImSlower]

Oh definitely OP. Every team should clamor for his skill set.

He hasn't been an unmitigated disaster for the Bulls whatsoever! Give us your assets! You'll just love his courageous efforts on defense, and legendary 3pt spacing! He'll never badly miss five open 3s a game, then amble back and left your opponents run roughshod into the lane, no sir!

[UcanUwill]

One of my least favorite players in the league, bar none. Two days ago I wrote a long comment on him, wont repeat to just be a hater, but even Orlando Vucevic wasnt good, way below average efficiency scoring C who isnt even good on defense. His All star selection is straight up insult. In my opinion, he has been probably the most overrated player the last 8 years, I am not sure he is even good as a back up, definitely bottom 4 as a starter, why would anyone want him? He is not good at all.

[boomershadow]

I was not a big fan of Vooch even in his prime Orlando days. I was never a fan of the trade from Chicago's perspective, and I really don't see what team he makes better as a starting center tbh.

[cupcakesnake]

One of my least favorite players in the league, bar none. Two days ago I wrote a long comment on him, wont repeat to just be a hater, but even Orlando Vucevic wasnt good, way below average efficiency scoring C who isnt even good on defense. His All star selection is straight up insult. In my opinion, he has been probably the most overrated player the last 8 years, I am not sure he is even good as a back up, definitely bottom 4 as a starter, why would anyone want him? He is not good at all.

Clicked on this thread to see if UcanUwill had brought his Vooch-takes.
Not disapointed!

[cupcakesnake]

An important thing for people to know about Vucevic is that his job is to boost your team's offense, but he can't do that anymore.

He's not an efficient scorer at all. He can't shoot the 3-ball anymore, he doesn't draw fouls at all, he's bad at scoring in the paint, and completely pedestrian on those midrange thoughts. All he can really do is get you a shot that...anyone else could. You can give him 15 shots per game and he'll hit enough of them to not embarrass himself, but not enough to help your offense win the game.

If he was a dynamite passer, maybe it would be worth it, but he's only okay at this. Poor shooter, poor defender. Name one thing that Vooch does for your team? To add salt in the wound: his teams tend to rebound better with him on the bench :/

[Mk0]

Oh definitely OP. Every team should clamor for his skill set.

He hasn't been an unmitigated disaster for the Bulls whatsoever! Give us your assets! You'll just love his courageous efforts on defense, and legendary 3pt spacing! He'll never badly miss five open 3s a game, then amble back and left your opponents run roughshod into the lane, no sir!

This.
/thread

*please close this thread. don't question it. just email your local congressman asking them to lobby for a Vucevic trade.

[mikejames23]

He has a pretty bad rep but TBH he can be useful as a 16/11 type of C. I see him as a lower ball center IMO, not all star good. He's pretty ideal for an 8th seed, don't know how better playoff teams would use him.

[Woodsanity]

Cause he is a black hole on offense and is so bad on defense he makes Jokic look like a DPOY in comparison.

[UcanUwill]

One of my least favorite players in the league, bar none. Two days ago I wrote a long comment on him, wont repeat to just be a hater, but even Orlando Vucevic wasnt good, way below average efficiency scoring C who isnt even good on defense. His All star selection is straight up insult. In my opinion, he has been probably the most overrated player the last 8 years, I am not sure he is even good as a back up, definitely bottom 4 as a starter, why would anyone want him? He is not good at all.

Clicked on this thread to see if UcanUwill had brought his Vooch-takes.
Not disapointed!

Sorry, sorry guys, but how is this guy valued so highly? It is only because his game looks good, quick good loking shooting form? Is it because he is Euro center named Nikola? I tell you this fact, Nikola Vucevic, an ''offensive beast'' has career TS% 4% lower than Antione Walker and just 2% higher than Monta Ellis, he is a a center for god sake.

What upset me the most with him over the years, was the fact he made all star teams when my boy Jonas, who was just flat out better, was talked as a liability. The main differences between the two were : roles, Vooch will just always find himself on trash team that gives him 10 more minutes and 10 more shots. Jonas And Vooch had pretty identical socring rates per minute, but Jonas would do that with 10% higher TS% sometimes, across whole season. check the basketball reference, Vooch scoring efficiency is a frankly a joke. Also, on paper, Jonas is a better shooter, he is. He just has very slow shooting form, so he never was that good as a stretcher, because he is easy to close on. Vucevic has far quicker shooting form and even shoots off the dribble sometimes, so he demands some respect as a perimeter shooter I guess, but he is just not very good shooter, he is one of those guys whose form looks amazing, but percentages are bad.

[JayMKE]

Plodding bigs that don’t play D and make too much money not worth much

[JustBuzzin]

Nah he's not much of a defensive presence to be a major factor.

[nate33]

Vucevic is not responsible for the Bulls respectable defense, or their respectable play in general:



It's also a complete falsehood to characterize him as a "moderately efficient" scorer. Vucevic had the worst TS% of any center in the NBA last year, and one of the worst TS% of any high usage player: