.jpg)
1 hour ago
2
Nikola Vucevic is the newest member of the Boston Celtics, and he'll be tasked with holding down the center position as the Celtics try to make a push into the playoffs and make some noise once there.
So far, so good for the newly acquired big fella from the Chicago Bulls.
Vucevic had the most rebounds in a Boston player's debut since 2007, when Kevin Garnett had a similar game, according to Real Sports.
The Vucevic line on this night was 11 points, 12 rebounds, four assists and two steals in 28 minutes of a narrow win over the Miami Heat.
MORE: Giannis Antetokounmpo's legacy doesn't change despite messy trade rumors
Vucevic shot 4-for-8 from the floor and made 3-of-4 from the foul line.
His rebounds, interestingly, were split up as six offensive and six defensive.
The Celtics got a big win in their trade for Vucevic, actually saving money by sending out Anfernee Simons and also adding to an interior that had relied on Neemias Queta and then a lot of uncertainty behind him.
MORE: 'Worst shooting form of all time' draws comparisons to Lonzo Ball, Shawn Marion
Vucevic likely relegates Queta to a lesser role, but their combination should provide 48 minutes of quality center play to the Celtics.
Boston's overall ceiling will still be determined by whether Jayson Tatum can make it back this season.
But at least for a night, it's also clear that Vucevic adds a creative offensive dimension in the frontcourt that the Celtics didn't have before, and that could turn out to be quite a big deal.
English (US)