Nikola Vucevic Addresses Role Ahead of Celtics Debut

Nikola Vucevic appears set to make his Boston Celtics debut on Friday, Feb. 6, against the Miami Heat. The Celtics officially acquired the veteran big man from the Chicago Bulls on Thursday, Feb. 5. Anfernee Simons was also part of the deal, heading to the Bulls as a result.

When speaking to the media on Friday, Vucevic was clear that he’s willing to do whatever it takes to be a successful addition to Joe Mazzulla’s roster. He also noted that he’s expecting to come off the bench in his first game for the Celtics.

“Talking to coach, he does like to be flexible,” Vucevic said, via Jack Simone on X. “… I told him I was totally open to that… My role [could] be different… That might take some time to adjust to, like tonight, coming off the bench… Different minutes… I’m here to really help in any way.”

Vucevic will now battle with Neemias Queta and Luka Garza for minutes within the center rotation. His floor spacing, rebounding and playmaking will be huge additions to Boston’s system.

With his contract set to expire in the summer, Vucevic will undoubtedly want to impress his new coaches. Being in Boston will provide him with the opportunity to compete at the highest level. However, he will need to earn an extended stay with the franchise, which would mean also accepting a smaller salary on his next deal.

In 48 games for the Bulls this season, Vucevic averaged 16.9 points, 9 rebounds and 3.8 assists, shooting 50.5% from the field and 37.6% from deep.

Boston’s center rotation now looks set, and with it, Mazzulla will have the opportunity to test out different rotations and combinations as he prepares for what many hope will be a deep postseason run.