Nikola Vucevic’s return to action hasn’t gone the way Boston Celtics fans would’ve hoped, thus far. Through his first two outings back, Vuc has totaled six points and 11 rebounds, while shooting just 3-15 from the field and 0-7 from long range.
He has a combined plus-minus of -13 across a pair of games which Boston has won by a combined 25 points. At times, it’s felt like his fit isn’t quite there and that the Cs would just be better off leaning into more Luka Garza minutes, as the former collegiate player of the year has been a great low-usage offensive weapon for them.
If Vucevic's inability to make shots is the biggest issue, things should be okay
It’s just too soon to tell when it comes to Vucevic. The biggest, most consistent weakness he’s shown since returning is his lack of shot-making. Wow, you mean to tell me that a guy who spent the last month recovering from a broken finger on his shooting hand can’t shoot?
Is it annoying that open looks aren’t falling for the 35-year-old?
Sure. But, he’s not taking shots that disrupt the flow of the offense. He’s doing what is expected of him in those situations, and has been a more than willing passer since joining the Celtics in February.
This seems like the most obvious “time will fix this” issue of all time. The more reps he gets both in-game and at practice, the better his touch should be. You could say the same for his general offensive feel.
“I do think that he can bring an element to this group that will be really valuable down the line,” Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens told reporters pregame Tuesday. “I think that it's good that he gets at least a week here to work on it, with the group, with the guys. The other thing is… having that week in between [the end of the regular season and the playoffs] is going to be really good. Even though we won't have games to necessarily play their careers, we only have a couple left. Just those practices are probably more valuable than even these next four games.”
There have been positive flashes for Vucevic, thus far
The four remaining games (now down to three) are a luxury here. It’s an opportunity for both Boston and Vucevic to feel out their partnership. Chemistry spans beyond just a player finding his teammates when they’re open. It’s spacing, knowledge of tendencies, and defensive connectivity.
Ironically, despite the billing on Vuc before his arrival, the latter looked sharp as the the Celtics' win over the Charlotte Hornets approached its finish on Tuesday.
“His pick and roll defense was great in the second half,” head coach Joe Mazzulla praised postgame. “I just thought he was more physical in the paint offensively, got some tip-ins, and tip-outs for us, offensive rebounds for us. He scored the paint versus the switch.”
Simply put, Vucevic did a great job of being in Charlotte’s way in the fourth quarter. Mazzulla emphasized the 35-year-old’s impact on the defensive end, citing his ability to make plays on both sides of the ball.
In that fourth quarter run there, his pick and roll defense was good. He got a deflection and a steal. So he just looked more comfortable out there in his playmaking, which comes with time. So we just need him to continue to get his legs underneath him, but get comfortable in his playmaking situations on both ends of the floor. He showed that in the second half.”
Boston’s impressive win over Charlotte marked Vucevic’s 13th outing for the Celtics. To this point, his impact has been felt on a “sometimes he has it, sometimes he doesn’t” basis. Usually it’s obvious early on which kind of night it’s going to be.
Even so, there have been flashes. The two-time All-Star has already racked up four double-doubles, all of which have come in wins. When he’s able to find a rhythm, he clearly raises the team’s ceiling.
“I think it's going to be a work in progress anytime you get a guy that comes in a trade but Vuc is a pro, and I think that he immediately recognized that he's got to do his best to find where he can help fit and where he can help impact the team,” Stevens emphasized.