What does losing Vucevic mean for the Chicago Bulls?

It was announced Thursday afternoon that the Chicago Bulls star center Nikola Vučević has entered the NBA’s health and safety protocols, testing positive for COVID-19.

The two-time All-Star is believed to have contracted the virus after heavily guarding the Philadelphia 76er center Joel Embiid.

The Bulls faced the 76ers two consecutive times last week, resulting in Embiid testing positive a few days later. NBC Sports Chicago reported last week that the Bulls are fully vaccinated.

Nikola Vučević’s impact so far:

While adjusting to a new role offensively to start the season, Vučević has proven he’s still a valuable piece of this new look Bulls team. The big man is averaging 13.6 points, 10.9 rebounds and 4.3 assists in his modified role taking a step back while DeRozan and LaVine run the offense.  He recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds Wednesday against Dallas.

What this means for the Chicago Bulls

It was announced that Vučević is expected to miss at least 10 days and five games or until he can return two negative PCR tests within 24 hours. Not having Vučević on the court is a tough loss for the Bulls. Especially as he seemed to be finding his shot last night against the Mavericks which is something he struggled with to start this season.

Looking ahead to their upcoming schedule, the Bulls will take on the Golden State Warriors on Friday to begin their five-game West Coast road trip. No Vučević means Tony Bradley may get the nod to start despite not seeing much playing time this season.

Alize Johnson will get more minutes and the second unit will have to go small assuming he doesn’t start. Another option may be the rookie big man in Marko Simonovic, who the Bulls recalled from the Windy City Bulls Thursday.

His health and safety matter.

While losing Vučević is anything but ideal, all you can hope for is that he comes back safe, is fully healthy and that no one else has contracted the virus.