There have been many rumors about Giannis Antetokounmpo joining the Boston Celtics. There have been little to no rumors centering around Nikola Vucevic staying with the Celtics. It's possible these two plotlines could be closely related or unrelated. Regardless, Antetokounmpo's inclusion could push Boston to keep Vucevic, as the two-time MVP has done well with floor-spacing big men.
What many forget about the Giannis era in Milwaukee is that the team finally started taking off once they began adding the right pieces, including a floor-spacing big man like Brook Lopez. It worked so well that the Bucks jumped at the chance to get Myles Turner, even while delaying the inevitable.
If Boston gets their hands on him, what would make his fit seamless is pairing him with big men who space the floor. Vucevic has his flaws, but he has a respectable three-point shot.
He's not a knock-down shooter, but Vucevic is respectable enough for opponents to try to cover it. That kind of asset can help Antetokounmpo go to his bread and butter by driving to the basket.
If that kind of formula worked in Milwaukee, it could work in Boston. They wouldn't depend on Vucevic down the stretch - Giannis would play the five in closing lineups - but he could be an innings eater playing next to a basketball titan.
If not Vucevic, then a different stretch-five
It's a strong possibility that Vucevic won't stay in Boston. The fact that he didn't play a single minute in the most important game of the season speaks volumes for what the Celtics thought of him in the end.
In a contract year, that's not what someone like Vucevic would want, so he may seek greener pastures elsewhere. However, he shouldn't shut down the prospect of pairing him with Antetokounmpo if the opportunity presents itself.
Nonetheless, it's far from guaranteed that Vucevic would stick around in Boston. If he doesn't, then the Celtics should turn to a different stretch-five. Turner sounds intriguing, but that would be pretty complicated. Not to mention, it would cost Boston an ear and a leg if he were included in the Giannis deluxe package.
If they get Antetokounmpo, their best lineup would probably include Giannis at the five and Jayson Tatum at the four. However, the Bucks benefited big time from pairing their best player of the century with a big man who can stroke it from deep.
Vucevic wouldn't be the best option available, but he might be the most realistic.
Add us as a preferred source on Google