Newfound Proof That Nikola Vucevic’s Struggles Weren’t His Own Doing
In what many Bulls fans have considered the worst trade of the past ten years or so for Chicago, Nikola Vucevic was brought to town from Orlando in exchange for effectively three first-round picks. Two of those three have become suitable NBA starters, and the Magic now find themselves in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with the fifth-youngest roster leaguewide. After seeing the past two weeks unfold, many voices may owe Vucevic an apology, including this platform. Without Zach LaVine, the Bulls’ center has celebrated a return to his prime form, resonating throughout the organization.
Back To Orlando Vucevic
The fit in Chicago has always been an issue for Vucevic, who averaged over 22 points and 11 rebounds in his final three seasons with the Magic. He was a two-time All-Star during that span and had yet to return to that level of play in the Windy City, averaging 17 points and over ten rebounds in his three seasons with the Bulls on much less efficient shooting from the floor and three-point land. In the last eight outings without LaVine in the lineup, Vucevic has seen an uptick in efficiency, scoring, rebounding, and playmaking similar to his days in Orlando. Was it LaVine’s doing the whole time?
Not to be overlooked, the Bulls have also been much better as a team during that span. In the 18 games with LaVine, Chicago was 5-13. In their most recent eight outings without him, they’re 5-3. Those three losses came via overtime to the second-best record in the NBA Milwaukee Bucks, the reigning NBA Champion Denver Nuggets, and the reigning Eastern Conference Champion Miami Heat via a buzzer-beating shot by Jimmy Butler. In two of the three defeats, they also missed Alex Caruso, one of the most impactful individual defensive players in the NBA per defensive metrics.
New-Look Bulls Are Better Without LaVine
Even looking beyond the win and loss columns, this Chicago Bulls version is a much-improved product from when Zach LaVine was on the floor. The assist numbers have skyrocketed from the league’s bottom five to the top three. Three-point shooting has improved, offensive and defensive ratings have increased, and individuals beyond Vucevic have also seen drastic improvement.
Coby White has become one of the league’s premier three-point threats almost immediately, only trailing Stephen Curry and Luka Doncic for three-point makes on the year. His shot attempts and efficiency are also top-ten amongst three-point shooters across the Association. He’s put up an incredible 25 points, 6.5 assists, and 6.5 rebounds per game since LaVine’s been sidelined and will be seriously considered for the Eastern Conference Player of the Month in December. Ayo Dosunmu and Patrick Williams have also proven more valuable in a better-flowing offense, increasing their output these past two weeks.
Whether it was a chemistry issue, a scheme fit, or simply lightning in a bottle, the Bulls have risen from the depths of the standings and are back to being one game away from a playoff spot. LaVine needs to be shipped for future assets, and the reigns should be officially passed to the young rising stars for Chicago.
Will the Bulls front office take notice of the dramatic changes since one player was removed from the lineup, or will the hesitancy carry over from last year’s trade deadline and the summer, resulting in continued mediocrity for yet another year in the Windy City?