The Celtics shored up their front court rotation and saved some money, landing Nikola Vucevic from the Bulls on Tuesday. In exchange, the C’s sent Anfernee Simons to Chicago. The deal has yet to be made official as there could be some tweaks down the line.
Vucevic comes to Boston as a respected veteran and two-time All-Star. It’s unclear what role he’ll play with the Celtics, especially when it comes to whether he’ll start or not. But Vucevic made some eye-opening comments prior to being traded, specifically when it comes to accepting a lesser role.
“I do understand that my role eventually could, maybe next season, might change. I might into a smaller role on a team,” Vucevic said, via The Athletic’s Joel Lorenzi. “Come off the bench, things like that. I’m fine with that. I understand that’s part of most people’s career. ... I know some of the limitations I have, I’m aware of them.”
Vucevic has been a dependable starter for the Bulls for years. He’s still a great offensive player, averaging 16.9 points, 9.0 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game this season. But as he pointed out, he has his defensive weaknesses. Considering he’s 35, it sounds like Vucevic is willing to play in whatever role Boston will ask from him.
Neemias Queta has been the Celtics’ starter this season amid a breakout campaign. Queta has been a pleasant surprise, especially when it comes to his night-to-night consistency. Considering Queta knows and fits Boston well, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him continue to be a starter.
Vucevic rounds out a center rotation that has featured Queta and Luka Garza this season. Vucevic and Garza are similar players as offense-first guys who struggle on the defensive end. Vucevic’s offensive game is much more polished than Garza.
The Celtics have gotten serviceable minutes from Garza this season, so they’ll look to get as much as possible from Vucevic for the rest of the year. Considering Vucevic is also on an expiring contract, if it doesn’t work out in Boston, there isn’t too much risk from the Celtics’ side.
Simons endeared himself to C’s fans because he readily accepted his bench role from the start of the year. He also improved his game as a score-first reserve who upped his defensive intensity.
While Vucevic still needs to make his first official comments as a Celtic, it sounds like he’ll be ready for whatever is in store once he arrives in Boston. Plus, the big man will likely welcome an opportunity to compete for an East contender like the Celtics.