BOSTON — Nikola Vucevic is getting valuable playing time ahead of the All-Star break, fresh off getting traded from the Bulls to the Celtics this week. While he struggled in the Celtics’ loss to the Knicks, every possession is a chance to build chemistry with his new teammates.
Derrick White knows what it’s like to be traded midseason and learn on-the-fly. He went from San Antonio to Boston four years ago before becoming a fan favorite. White spoke about Vucevic following Sunday’s loss to New York and what he’s seen from the big man.
“I’ve always had a lot of respect for him and the player he was, and so it’s great for him to come here and kind of buy in,” White said. “I just understand it’s gonna be a process. I know what it’s like to be traded and on a new team, new system. … Just gonna welcome him with open arms and try to help any way I can.”
Vucevic finished with 23 minutes Sunday, putting up 11 points and six rebounds. He dealt with foul trouble throughout the night and was also inefficient, shooting 5-for-13. But it’s clear Vucevic should fit in nicely with the Celtics, it’s just about finding that happy medium now that he’s in Boston.
The Celtics tinkered with more double big lineups Sunday. The starters were again Luka Garza and Neemias Queta, but Vucevic also got some run with each big man. That’s a new, recent wrinkle for Boston as C’s coach Joe Mazzulla experiments with different strengths and weaknesses.
But it’s all a process for the Celtics. They have their game Wednesday against the Bulls before the All-Star break, so these minutes are extra important for Vucevic. Then it’ll be about finishing the season strong as the Celtics are set up well to compete for the East come the playoffs.
“We got to figure out the chemistry a little bit, the flow a little bit,” Jaylen Brown said. “We want Vuc to be a little bit more aggressive, looking for him to get going and make him feel confident in taking those shots and where he can catch the ball. I think he’s still learning, but we need him to be aggressive. So we’ll make adjustments, we’ll communicate, we’ll watch film, and we’ll be better for it.”