It seemed fitting that Nikola Vucevic continued his recent stretch of strong play with a monster game in Orlando Saturday night as the Chicago Bulls downed the Magic 128-109.
After all, Vucevic, who posted his 12th double-double in 14 games with a bulging box score of 26 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, is in a contract year. Just like he was in 2018-19 when he averaged 20.8 points, 12 rebounds and 3.8 assists for the Magic.
Similar to his current situation with the Bulls, the Magic didn’t seriously entertain contract extension talks entering 2018-19. After Vucevic delivered his huge season, the Magic promptly signed him to a four-year, $100 million deal.
That same deal is expiring this offseason. The Bulls didn’t seriously entertain contract extension talks with Vucevic last offseason and now face a decision as the Feb. 9 trade deadline looms.
Roll the dice and try to either trade or extend Vucevic this offseason? Move him by Feb. 9 to make sure he doesn’t walk for nothing?
As an unrestricted free agent, Vucevic has say where he plays next come July 1. And it’s certainly Bulls management’s responsibility to have an idea of where their center’s head is at given the price tag it paid to acquire him in March 2021.
The Magic are still reaping benefits from that trade past the contributions they are receiving from Wendell Carter Jr. and Franz Wagner. The Bulls still owe a first-round pick that will convey in this June’s NBA draft as long as it’s outside the top-four selections.
All season, Vucevic has said he isn’t focused on business, just basketball.
“I’m feeling very good right now. I’m really in a rhythm,” Vucevic said. “I’m really finding my spots within the game, whether it’s making shots or making plays for others or rebounding.”
The rebounding surge began when Vucevic noticed while watching film that he wasn’t being as aggressive as he typically is pursuing the ball.
“There was one little stretch for awhile where I did my work early to get my guy out and then wouldn’t go get the ball. And I wasn’t as aggressive on offensive rebounding. So I put a bigger emphasis on it. It’s my job to do it. I’ve always been a good rebounder. It’s important for our team,” Vucevic said. “We’ve had games where we defend pretty well, but then we give up second-chance points that hurt us. I feel like when you want to go get it, they come to you more too.”
The Magic only had seven second-chance points on Saturday. Vucevic is up to 28 double-doubles, tied for fifth in the NBA.
Somewhat quietly, Vucevic is having a big season, particularly when you factor in he’s often the third option offensively. Following Saturday’s huge game, he’s averaging 17.5 points on 51.9 percent shooting, including 36.6 percent from 3-point range, with 11.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists.
For someone who admired the passing ability of big men like Pau and Marc Gasol, Vlade Divac and Arvydas Sabonis, Vucevic takes great pride in his unselfishness. His ability to find the open man also stems from watching his father play professionally while growing up.
“I really enjoy passing, especially if I get the ball in the pocket and can make plays for my teammates whether it’s a cutter or someone in the corner. I enjoy that as much as scoring a bucket. I feel it’s a very underrated part of my game,” Vucevic said. “I enjoy making the right play.
“It comes from me having a good basketball IQ. And I think it helps us a lot because Zach (LaVine) and DeMar (DeRozan) get doubled and I get it in the pocket and make plays for others. It opens up a lot for us offensively.”
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