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Nikola Vucevic Rumors
Nikola Vucevic done with National Team after Eurobasket?
Despite his pride and long-standing role in the international scene since his first EuroBasket in 2011, 35-year-old Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic has hinted that the upcoming FIBA EuroBasket 2025 will likely be his last with the national team. "I think after the EuroBasket, that'll be it," Vucevic told Vijesti, via FIBA. "I'll give my best, enjoy it, and try to achieve the best result possible. I'm entering the final phase of my career," he added. "My focus will shift to rest during summers, to be with my family. It's not 100 percent certain, but at the moment I believe these will be my last games for the national team."
Jorge Sierra: Most consecutive seasons averaging 10-plus rebounds 10: Rudy Gobert 8: Giannis Antetokounmpo 7: DEANDRE AYTON, Nikola Vucevic So there's that.
The Warriors, though, appear to have moved away from past trade interest they previously registered in veteran Bulls center Nikola Vučević, which might have helped spark something this summer.
Chicago Bulls two-time NBA All-Star center Nikola Vucevic has long been a fan of Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, saying he "watches almost every game." But what about actually playing for the EuroLeague team? Vucevic admits he sometimes thinks about that possibility. "When I come to Belgrade, people are always asking me, 'When are you coming to Zvezda?' ... I get it, and I sometimes think about it," Vucevic shared during a recent appearance on X&O's Chat Podcast.
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Bulls again expected to explore trading Nikola Vucevic
The Bulls once again will look to move Vucevic, making room for Zach Collins as the temporary starter or drafting a young rim protector. Vucevic does have an expiring deal, but, in all likelihood, he could be moved more easily at the February trade deadline.
Nikola Vucevic wants to 'win now' ahead of final season of contract
Cody Westerlund: Nikola Vucevic says he's at the stage of his career where he wants to "win now" and make playoff runs. He isn't sure of what the Bulls' plans are for him as he enters final season of contract. If the plan is to continue to improve, he's happy to be in Chicago next season.
KC Johnson: Nikola Vucevic said he's proud of rebounding from sub-par shooting season (he shot a career-high 53% FG and 40.2% 3PT this season) and fitting in with young group, faster offensive pace.
KC Johnson: Heat 109, Bulls 90 Bulls never led. Heat end Bulls’ season in Play In Tournament for 3rd straight year. Giddey 25 pts, 10 rebs Vucevic 16 pts, 12 rebs White 17 pts, 5-20 FGs, 7 TOs Herro 38 pts
After many assumed he’d also be traded, Vučević has remained as the improbable lynchpin on one of the league’s most surprising teams. “He’s the key to a lot of what they do because of his ability to stretch the floor and score in the post,” Boston Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla said. “It changes the way you have to guard them when he’s playing at a high level. They’re playing faster. They’re shooting more. I think their guys are playing better, and I think it starts with Vučević.”
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“I think his consistency comes from his work ethic,” said Jokić, a three-time MVP and a close friend of Vučević. “That’s something that was probably in his family because his dad was a basketball player, and he gave him that. Consistency is something that you work for during the summer; you thrive on that. “I think we, as European players, we really are proud of that, that we can say we are really consistent as a player. He’s a really intelligent player, really smart, knows how to get his shot. It’s something that he’s done for 14 years, so it’s amazing to see.”
“It’s the hardest thing in this league,” Vučević said of consistency. “There’s so many games. There’s a lot of ups and downs. You win, you lose. You have good games, bad games. But you just have to learn to deal with it and move on. I just try to bring it every night and do what I do and not get out of that. “I’ve had better years and worse years, but I don’t think there’s been a huge difference in the way I’ve played and my numbers. So, I take a lot of pride in it. I try to bring it every night.”
DeRozan, a former teammate of Vučević in college at USC and for three NBA seasons with the Bulls, credited Vučević’s commitment to his craft. “I mean, Vooch takes care of himself extremely well,” DeRozan said. “The things he does off the court, people probably won’t see. He does a lot of stuff to stay on top of his game. He was always the first guy in the weight room, constantly working on his body, getting his body together. All of the stuff like that is what gives you longevity. “Knock on wood, he’s never hurt. He’s always available. That’s just a testament to his hard work that he puts toward the game off the court.”
Jorge Sierra: Rudy Gobert is now No. 45 all-time in rebounds after passing Bob Lanier and Sam Lacey. Also: Nikola Vucevic passed Latrell Sprewell in scoring for No. 109 in NBA history. Kawhi Leonard moved ahead of Al Horford for No. 164.
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