Chicago Bulls: Takeaway no. 1 – Nikola Vucevic is just getting started
The Bulls big man had himself a night in this one. In leading the Bulls to the victory, Vucevic went for 32 points, 17 rebounds and five assists. He knocked down four of the seven threes he took as well.
It’s not just the box score that’s jumping out from watching Vucevic get comfortable with his new team, though. There are a number of things that happened tonight specifically that show why he is just getting started with what he can do in the Windy City.
First off is the team’s transition attack. On multiple occasions in this one, the Bulls got out and ran but peeled back because the Pacers defense also got back. Five Pacers got back in these cases, and Vucevic was found as the Bulls trailer for the open and uncontested three-point attempt.
It’s another thing he brings to the table and something the Bulls can maximize the more they get out and run in transition as a team. It’s a great number two option if an easy transition basket isn’t found early in the shot clock. It’s also a shot Vucevic is more than comfortable taking and more than capable of making.
Another thing we saw in this one is something that is becoming a trend in games the big man has played with Zach LaVine so far. That is the lethal Pick-and-Pop threat they are together. LaVine is obviously capable of getting to the basket and scoring off the pick, which tends to cause Vucevic’s defender to help into the paint.
That’s not something you can do when playing the Bulls. though. Teams are well on their way to learning that. When Vucevic floats in the mid-range area after setting the pick and is hit with the pocket pass he seems to be lights out. It leaves defenses in a very tough spot on any given possession.
Finally, the Bulls big man showed once again he is a monster on the glass. The Bulls have lacked that all season and he certainly brings a new dimension to the group.