Sunday at TD Garden, the Boston Celtics are at full strength for the first time since Jayson Tatum made his season debut against the Dallas Mavericks. That didn't last long. Nikola Vucevic suffered a right ring finger fracture just 1:47 into his shift in the first frame that night.
Now, after a 14-game absence, the two-time All-Star is back in the lineup.
"He's been at every film session, walkthrough, and practice that we've had," said Joe Mazzulla before his team's tilt against the Toronto Raptors while discussing Vucevic getting up to speed even while injured.
Joe Mazzulla on Nikola Vucevic's readiness ahead of the playoffs: "I think he's there. He's been around a long time. It's not that complicated." @CLNSMedia | Q: @RealBobManning pic.twitter.com/6JhYcvCdca
— Celtics on CLNS (@CelticsCLNS) April 5, 2026
Before Sunday's matchup got underway, Raptors head coach Darko Rajaković raved about what the Celtics' trade-deadline acquisition will once again provide his new team.
"Nikola brings a wealth of experience to this team. He's a player that can do so many things," said Rajaković. "He's a complete player, and he's a great fit with this team."
Vucevic is a dynamic offensive talent. He gives Boston an option it doesn't have in its other centers, one who will draw multiple defenders in the low post. From there, he can pick defenses apart with his passing. He does the same when the ball is in his hands on the perimeter, spotting cutters and delivering dimes. He's also a reliable three-point threat who can now form a potent pick-and-roll partnership with the Celtics' primary ball-handlers.
Vucevic brings a lot on and off the court
Beyond what he brings off the court, Vucevic is a beloved teammate. For a franchise that puts a premium on its culture and is diligent in deciding who to bring into its work environment, he's an outstanding fit in the locker room.
A player who can attest to that first-hand is his former teammate with the Chicago Bulls, Ayo Dosunmu.
"When I came into the league, he was my vet. So, we built a great relationship," shared Dosunmu before he helped the Minnesota Timberwolves earn a 102-92 win at TD Garden. "He was the guy that I really connected to. We built a great relationship...Hopefully, he gets healthy so they can make a deep run in the playoffs."
Vucevic hoped to get a few games in before the playoffs, and he'll now get the chance to do so. Boston has five contests left, including Sunday's against Toronto, before the playoffs. That week while the play-in tournament unfolds should also help him ramp up to be at his best in a return to the playoffs that he spoke about the week he joined the Celtics.
Speaking of the postseason, Vucevic hasn't participated in a playoff game since the 2021-22 campaign while with the Chicago Bulls. He has only been in 16 career playoff contests. In those matchups, he is averaging 18.4 points, a tick below 10.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and nearly 1.0 blocks per game. That production comes in 36.2 minutes of floor time.
It's a testament to a player whose teams haven't had much playoff success, but he has proven to be impactful in his postseason opportunities.
"It motivates me to try to get to a higher level,” said Vucevic, who hasn't won a playoff series since his rookie year when he was not a part of the Philadelphia 76ers' rotation. “I’ve never really had that chance in my career. I wish it happened sooner, but it’s happening now, and I’m going to make the most of it and be the best version of myself to help the team.”
In his first 12 appearances with the Celtics, which included one start, he averaged 10.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and nearly 2.0 assists and 1.0 blocks per contest. He is also shooting 35.1 percent from beyond the arc on 3.1 three-point attempts.
In his absence, Luka Garza has filled in admirably. The fifth-year center is a player Joe Mazzulla knows he can count on to bring an infusion of energy every time he calls his number. The former Iowa Hawkeyes star also provides dependable three-point shooting, screening, and offensive rebounding. He consistently helps the Celtics win on the margins, and he's ready to contribute every time he gets an opportunity.
However, it's beneficial, not detrimental, that Boston has both options behind starting center Neemias Queta. If there's an injury, the Celtics have the needed stability to absorb that loss. And if one of their options is struggling or in foul trouble, they can lean on one or both of their other two choices. The trade for Vucevic turned an area of concern at the deadline into what is now a luxury entering the playoffs.