Since returning to the Boston Celtics, Nikola Vucevic has put up a grand total of four points. It hasn't limited the Celtics much, as they've won their last two games against the Toronto Raptors and Charlotte Hornets, but it's hard not to notice Vucevic, someone known for his ability to get buckets, putting up mostly bricks.
And look, Vucevic deserves the benefit of the doubt, as anyone who has recently returned from an injury would (Jayson Tatum would agree). There are only two problems: his struggles have stood out even more like a sore thumb because Boston has played him over fan favorite Luka Garza, and the Celtics don't have much time to integrate Vucevic with days left before the regular season ends.
This further shows how problematic his injury was. Had he not gotten hurt, Boston could have taken the time to see who was the better fit between him and Garza. Vucevic's pedigree speaks for itself, but Garza endeared himself well to the Celtics fanbase for his tenacity that even if Vucevic had been playing well, it'd still be hard to see him relegated to the "Stay Ready" group.
Vucevic will at least get more time in practice to further acclimate himself in the coming weeks before the playoffs start, but it's a shame Boston never got a good look at how he fit with the team at full strength. More specifically, how little time he got to play with Tatum.
The silver lining is that if it doesn't work out, Boston knows they have an ace in the hole on the bench.
Vucevic showed his worth against the Hornets
Vucevic shot one-for-10 against the Hornets, which included missing all five of his three-point shot attempts. Yet, still, he finished with a plus/minus of plus-one. Most of that came from his efforts in the fourth quarter.
After playing Neemias Queta for the entriety of the third quarter, Vucevic got the lion's share of the minutes in the fourth. When it was all said and done, the Celtics lead had increased from three to 11 when he subbed out for Queta.
Vucevic wasn't the driving force behind it, but it's not like Boston did that in spite of him. Despite how many bricks he was laying, the Hornets were consistently afraid of someone like him getting open, allowing Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown's lives to be much easier. Plus, despite his reputation, the Hornets couldn't take advantage of him defensively.
It's game like those that show why Boston wanted him (besides wanting to save money). And if he can start making some shots, then this won't be a problem. But... he'l have to start making some shots.