Nikola Vučević has performed three video games with Boston and, up to now, he’s been precisely as marketed.
The Montenegrin massive man is averaging 13.7 factors and 9.7 rebounds whereas capturing 48.5% from the ground and higher than 41% from three. As a confirmed veteran, you typically know what you’re getting from Vučević — regular scoring, sturdy rebounding, and a refined offensive sport.
Rising up, my two favourite NBA gamers had been Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan — Garnett for his protection and depth, and Duncan for his fundamentals and exquisite submit sport. What I love most about Vučević is that very same type of polished presence on the block. It’s one thing that the Celtics have lacked over time. Al Horford, in his early years with Boston, was a dependable submit possibility, however as he bought older, he drifted behind the arc extra to assist house the ground.
Now, Boston has a participant who’s each a authentic submit risk and a succesful outdoors shooter. On any given night time, Vučević can simply be the crew’s second-leading scorer, which provides Boston’s offense extra stability — and that’s already been the case by his first three video games.
In his first sport in inexperienced, Vučević was clearly a bit passive. It regarded like he didn’t wish to step on anybody’s toes as he adjusted to a brand new crew and system. He’s not going to be an incredible defender, and there can be moments when faster gamers beat him. However having him come off the bench alongside Payton Pritchard creates a dynamic one-two, inside-outside punch that may preserve the scoring flowing when Jaylen Brown and/or Derrick White are off the ground. Over time, Vučević will get extra snug with the defensive rotations and crew schemes. I count on him to look sharper on that finish as he settles in.
In opposition to his former crew, Vučević confirmed the Boston Celtics devoted at TD Backyard precisely what he’s able to. The large man completed with 19 factors, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks within the win over the Bulls. What impressed me most was his 4-of-5 capturing from three. If Vučević can constantly knock down the three-ball, he provides a dimension this crew was lacking previous to the deadline.
One other key ingredient Vučević brings to this Celtics crew is elite rebounding. Earlier than becoming a member of Boston, he averaged 9 rebounds per sport, and up to now, he’s posted rebound totals of 11, 6, and 12. In his debut alone, he grabbed six offensive boards — an enormous increase for second-chance alternatives. That presence will pair properly when Neemias Queta heads to the bench. Having not less than one sturdy rebounder on the ground always — and the power to constantly assault the offensive glass — can be pivotal for Boston, particularly in tight playoff-style video games.
Three video games in, it’s arduous to not just like the match. Vučević provides Boston a unique look offensively — a real inside scorer who may also step out and stretch the ground, one thing Boston has missed since eliminating each Horford and Kristaps Porziņģis. He stabilizes bench models, provides rebounding toughness, and brings veteran poise to a crew with championship aspirations.
If that is the baseline, then Boston could have discovered precisely what it wanted. I actually consider Vučević goes to be an incredible addition to this roster. Greater than something, I’m glad he will get the chance to play significant basketball on a authentic contender. Veterans like him don’t all the time get that probability late of their careers, and if these first three video games are any indication, he’s going to make an impression.
