After 13 years in the NBA, Vucevic talks about the timing of his retirement.
Nikola Vucevic (208 cm, C) was drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers with the 16th overall pick in the 2011-2012 NBA Draft. However, after one season with the organization, he was quickly shipped off to the Orlando Magic. In Orlando, Vucevic showed off his skills to the fullest.
He quickly became the team’s starting center, averaging 13.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. He continued to be the starting center for the rest of his career and was a two-time 파워볼사이트 All-Star.
However, Vucevic was forced to change his jersey during the 2020-2021 season. Orlando decided to “rebuild” due to injuries to key players, and Vucevic was traded to the Chicago Bulls.
In Chicago, Vucevic did his part, averaging 21.5 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, but he wasn’t the same player last season. His numbers were still stellar, but his three-point percentage dropped to 29% and his feet were considered slow. After 13 years of playing, it”s natural for a player to age.
Recently, Vucevic acknowledged this. He told Meridian Sports, “I played 13 years in the NBA. I know my body better than anyone. It’s definitely different than in the past. I know my time is coming to an end. I can’t play another 13 years. (Laughs) My feet are slower, my stamina is down. But I want to do my best in Chicago for the rest of my time,” he said.
“I’m enjoying the moment. I want to train and play with my teammates at a high level, that’s my biggest goal. And I hope that’s how other people will remember me. I want to give everything I can on the court,” he added.
Vucevic played 76 games last season, averaging 18 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. But even with Vucevic’s play, Chicago failed to make the playoffs. It was the second straight year the Bulls missed the playoffs.
The Bulls also lost their ace, Dermar Drojan (198 cm, G-F), this offseason. Without Drojan, the Bulls were unable to fill the void. That makes Vucevic’s performance all the more important.