Chicago Bulls: 3 bold predictions for Nikola Vucevic in the Windy City

Bold predictions with the Bulls No. 2: Vucevic and Patrick Williams lead the team in blocks per game in the second half

Never has Vucevic really been the most proficient rim protector in his career with the Magic. He’s averaged just shy of one block per game for his career, despite standing at 6-foot-11, with a good amount of foot speed and lateral agility for a big man of his stature. And so far this season, he’s barely averaged more than 0.5 blocks per game with the Magic.

Getting a new look with the Bulls where Vucevic will be playing at the five more often than not, he will be tasked with contending with opposing centers down low.

Two interesting players for the Bulls on the defensive end of the floor down the stretch this season will certainly be Vucevic and rookie former Florida State Seminoles forward Patrick Williams. The 19-year-old North Carolina native Williams has averaged roughly one block and one steal per game so far during his rookie campaign for the Bulls.

And with more sizable veterans taking hold in the Bulls forward/big man rotation down the stretch, it could be more difficult for opponents to contend in the paint in the second half with this team.

Williams should be a benefactor on the defensive end of the floor with the addition of Vucevic for one more big reason too. The addition of Vuvevic will allow for Bulls players like Williams that will be in the starting five with him to have to use less energy on offense, thus giving him more room to succeed on defense.

It would take a big change in the per game stats of Vucevic down the stretch, but it wouldn’t be unheard of for him and Williams to start raking in the blocks on defense. Lineup adjustments from here on out for each of these two talented Bulls players could get that done this season.