Have you ever heard one of those crazy stories about a dog or cat traveling hundreds of miles to magically appear back on their owner’s doorstep? That’s how I feel about Nikola Vucevic’s three-point shot.
The big man’s long-range shooting ability felt like a distant memory the past few seasons. After coming to the organization as a 40.0 percent shooter on good volume, he shot only 32.0 percent from downtown over his three full seasons with the team. Things reached rock bottom during the 2023-24 campaign, as defenses even started to sag off the big man. His 29.4 success rate from behind the arc marked his single-worst clip since he started shooting at least 1.0 attempts per game in 2016-17.
When we consider Vucevic’s lack of raw athleticism and defensive acumen, his ability to space the floor always felt extremely important. Sure, he was a one-sided player, but he was one of the very few true centers who could survive along the perimeter and succeed in a more modern system. The consistent rebounding combined with the offensive versatility was a legitimately rare and valuable combination. And it’s precisely why he was able to make two All-Star rosters.
Unfortunately, this version of Vucevic felt like it was fading at an increasing rate over the past couple of seasons. He still demonstrated above-average rebounding and post skills, but whether or not he was someone who could be considered an impact player became a fair question.
Well, he has put some of those questions to bed to begin this year.
Vucevic’s first week of the NBA season has gone great. The big man has scored at least 21 points in three of the Bulls’ four contests, and he started the season with three straight double-doubles!
Nikola Vucevic’s First Four Games
@ Pelicans – 21 PTS (8-12 FG, 1-2 3PT), 11 REB, 1 AST
@ Bucks – 22 PTS (7-17 FG, 4-9 3PT), 10 REB, 4 AST
vs. OKC – 18 PTS (7-12 FG, 2-2 3PT), 13 REB, 2 AST
@ Grizzlies – 22 PTS (9-19 FG, 4-8 3PT), 7 REB, 5 AST
The Chicago Bulls’ new uptempo play style felt like it could only continue to reveal Vucevic’s weakness, but the veteran has fit in surprisingly well. One reason for that has been his underrated connective passing ability, which he’s used to help Chicago make quick decisions in the halfcourt. The biggest reason, however, has undoubtedly been the return of his three-point shot.
As you can see above, Vucevic is shooting a pretty stunning 11-21 from behind the arc to begin the season. He has made at least four shots from downtown in two of his four games. He had ZERO such performances last season. His 5.3 attempts per game also happen to be his most since 2020-21 when he first joined Chicago.
By knocking down these shots again, he is allowing the Bulls’ offense to make the changes it wants to make. Chicago is now playing a legitimate five-out system that keeps the middle of the floor clear for off-ball movement or aggressive drives to the rim. They have also begun the year shooting 46.8 three-point attempts per game, which ranks second in the NBA!
To be sure, I say all of this while recognizing that we are a mere four games into the season. Vucevic isn’t going to continue to shoot 52.4 percent from the field on 5.3 attempts per game. A dip is coming. However, I think it’s fair to say Vucevic has given us a reason to believe he’s figured something out on that end of the floor. This is great news for the identity the Bulls are trying to establish … as well as the trade talks that may arise down the road. But that’s a conversation for another day!