BOSTON — The Celtics were hard at work incorporating Nikola Vucevic in the short time he had before the All-Star break. Vucevic got in some film sessions, a practice and three games with the C’s before embarking for the weeklong break.
Bulls coach Billy Donovan had complimentary words about the former Chicago big man. Donovan spent roughly five years with Vucevic, getting to know his strengths and weaknesses. Donovan broke down how he anticipates Vucevic will fit in Boston.
“I love him,” Donovan said. “He’s a total pro. I think he’ll fit in very, very well to Boston’s team. He can play a lot of different styles. Really, really high IQ, and then certainly gives them a post presence on rolls and switches at the rim. And then also a guy that can stretch it and play in the pocket. I think he’ll be a very good fit here for them.”
The C’s blew out the Bulls on Wednesday in their final game ahead of the All-Star break. Vucevic had an impressive night, finishing with 19 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. The Celtics are 35-19, good for second in the East, as Vucevic will have an important role down the stretch of the season.
But meshing Vucevic with the team is still a work-in-progress so early in his Boston tenure. C’s coach Joe Mazzulla remarked how Vucevic already looks more comfortable compared to his first game in a Celtics uniform. Considering Vucevic is such a talented offensive player, it’ll take more time to get him up to full speed.
Vucevic had a successful stretch in Chicago from 2021-26. He’s a two-time All-Star, and while he has his weaknesses, it’s clear Vucevic can really score the ball. But the one thing he didn’t get in his career is a deep playoff run — that opportunity is there with the Celtics now.
“It’s a weird feeling because I was just on that team and now I’m here,” Vucevic said. “It happened so quick, but it was great to see all those people, a lot of great people in the organization. A lot of relationships that I have even when basketball is over and that you have for the rest of your life. It was good to see them. It was fun to win the game and talk a little bit of trash.”