Nikola Vucevic Rumors

Montenegro national team star and Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic announced his retirement from the national team, following an upset loss against Great Britain. "It sucks for me to finish [international career] this way. I would have loved to play more in Riga, but it is what it is," Vucevic said after the game. "I'd like to thank my teammates, coaches, and most importantly, the fans for everything they did throughout my career with the national team. It was an honor to play here, but that's sports. I enjoyed playing here, but it's time for a new generation to leave its mark," the 34-year-old added.

BasketNews

Montenegro prevailed 87-81 over Sweden, and despite losing by an average of 25 points in the first three games of Group B, now has a very good chance to qualify to the Eurobasket round of 16. Nikola Vucevic, with 23 points on 9/15 FG, 15 rebounds, and four assists, had his best game yet in the tournament at the perfect time. On the other side, Houston’s Pelle Larsson also delivered with 28 points on 10/20 FG, but it was not enough. On the contrary, Vucevic was not only much more efficient but made arguably the biggest shot of the game, making the score 83-79 with 33 seconds left and giving his team a two-possession cushion.

EuroHoops.net

Talking about his future, Vucevic confirmed that he would be happy if he stayed in Chicago and helped build a winning culture there. "Yes, of course. I mean, it has been good for me there," Vucevic revealed. "We will see—I have one more year left with them, so we will see what happens if I stay or if something changes. But yeah, obviously, I would love to win in Chicago," he stated.

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"It has been very good. We have good communication," Vucevic said, talking about his relationship with Bulls V.P. of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas. "He has always been pretty open with me. Even just a couple of weeks ago, when the buyout news came out, he actually texted me to tell me not to worry about it and not to read into it," he said. "I have known AK for a long time. When I did my pre-draft workout, he was with Houston and took me out to dinner for an interview. So I have known him for a very long time," Vucevic added.

BasketNews

Before the matchup against Lithuania, Matas Buzelis' Bulls teammate, Montenegrin center Nikola Vucevic, talked to BasketNews, where he revealed he was trying to convince Buzelis to play in EuroBasket, saying it would have been a great experience for him. "I was trying to convince him to play," Vucevic revealed. "I thought it would have been really good for him to get some FIBA basketball experience, to play in EuroBasket, and to practice against all the other players from Lithuania every day. It would have been great for him."

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"I think it would have helped him a lot, and it would also have been valuable just to play in big games. Obviously, Lithuania is going to try to compete for a medal—that is their goal—so for him, it would have been huge. But he decided not to play this summer. Hopefully, he will play in the future," Vucevic added.

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Talking about his mentality, Vucevic believes Buzelis is a bit more American than European, as he was born in America. "Yeah, he is probably a little more American," the 34-year-old noted. "But he was born and grew up there, so that is normal. He is a good guy—a very good guy." "He is still young, like a kid, so he likes to have fun and joke around. At the same time, he is pretty smart for his age and has a good understanding of what he needs to do." "Even Jonas Valanciunas calls him 'the American,' saying, 'Tell your American guy to play,'" Vucevic added.

BasketNews

Let’s talk about your NBA career. You were at the center of rumors earlier this summer. What’s your situation with the Bulls? Nikola Vucevic: A week ago (the interview was done August 4), the Bulls GM (Marc Eversley), who had called me after all the rumors, confirmed that nothing was true and that everything we had discussed after the season still stood. I already knew that, but it’s always nice when your GM calls to tell you. So you expect to start the season in Chicago? Nikola Vucevic: Yes, I have almost no doubt. That’s the mindset I’m preparing with. After that, we’ll see—I don’t know what will happen.

Basket USA

How did you handle the rumors? Nikola Vucevic: There are always rumors. Most of them are false. It’s a bit of nonsense. For example, the buyout story was misunderstood in Europe: the journalist wrote that if there was no trade during the season, there might be a buyout option before the deadline. I know how the business works: in the last year of a contract, there’s always speculation. Since I can’t control it, I try not to stress over it.

Basket USA

How many more years would you like to play before retiring? Nikola Vucevic: I haven’t set an age limit. As long as I feel good physically, stay motivated, and have a role that suits me, I hope to keep playing. I feel very good physically and mentally. I’m coming off a strong season. I’m entering my last contract year with Chicago. After that, we’ll see depending on opportunities and roles. I know sooner or later my role will change, and I’m ready to accept that. I think I still have a few good years left.

Basket USA

You said in mid-July that the next European Championship would likely be your last with Montenegro. Where do you stand on that decision? Nikola Vucevic:Maybe I’ll change my mind, but for now, I think it really will be my last. The next one is only in two years. I’ll be 36, 37. I’d also like to focus more on my NBA career. With age, I have to think about my body and recovery before starting another season. During the year, I’m often away because of travel, practices, and games. Summer is the time to catch up with my three kids and enjoy being with them. Right now, that’s my biggest priority.

Basket USA

Montenegro continued their EuroBasket preparations with an 88-76 win over Israel in Bar. Nikola Vučević was at the center of the victory, recording a double-double with 27 points and 10 rebounds in 28 minutes.

EuroHoops.net

Montenegro defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 102 – 90 to grab its first preparation win ahead of the EuroBasket. The game was held in the Mirza Delibašić hall in Sarajevo. Nikola Vucevic led five Montenegro players in double figures with 23 points. Jovan Klajcic had 16 points, Igor Drbonjak scored 14, Dordije Jovanovic posted 13 points and Marko Simonovic added 12 points. Dzanan Musa had 22 points for Bosnia. Aleksandar Lazic contributed 17 points and Jusuf Nurkic scored 15.

EuroHoops.net

Alex Sarr scored 19 points in just 13:49 as France beat Montenegro 81 – 75 in their first preparation game ahead of the 2025 EuroBasket. It took Sarr 13:49 to lead France in scoring during his debut with the senior national team. The Washington Wizards center also had four rebounds. Nikola Vucevic led Montenegro with 19 points, six rebounds and four assists. Marko Simonovic dropped 14 points.

EuroHoops.net