BOSTON — The Boston Celtics are tied for second in the Eastern Conference after getting blown out 111–89 by New York in a pre-Super Bowl matinee. It was Nikola Vucevic’s second appearance, but the Celtics already have an issue: his role off the bench.
It Took Two Games For The Celtics To Have A Nikola Vucevic Issue, Bringing Him Off The Bench
Boston turned sharp-shooting fan favorite Anfernee Simons into Vucevic at the trade deadline. In doing so, they strengthened their frontcourt with a big who has starter pedigree. Vucevic is a modern center who can space the floor and score in the post. He has shown that potential since arriving. He opened his Celtics career with an 11-point, 12-rebound double-double against Miami. He followed that with another 11-point performance off the bench. Through two games, Joe Mazzulla has made it clear that he plans to bring Vucevic off the bench for the foreseeable future. Against the Knicks, he started both Neemias Queta and Luka Garza ahead of him. But will Vucevic be okay with that? Time will tell. I’m predicting he will embrace whatever role he gets because he has waited a long time to be in a winning situation.
A New Role For A Longtime Starter
Vucevic has started for most of his career. He came off the bench briefly in 2015–16 and 2016–17 after returning from injuries. This situation is different. For a 35-year-old two-time All-Star, this adjustment will test his comfort and mindset. He moved from a stagnant situation in Chicago to one in Boston where winning comes first. That shift always meant fewer touches. It also means shorter stints and less offensive continuity, which matters for a prolific post scorer. Those factors can hurt efficiency and confidence when the team hits rough patches.
Free Agency Implications
The biggest issue with Vucevic coming off the bench is what it does to his free agency value. Bench status affects market perception. It reframes him as a situational big instead of a core piece. That will influence contract negotiations this summer. Still, strong communication can make this a non-issue. Simons’ departure leaves a gap in the shot hierarchy. Vucevic may accept a long-term bench role if it comes with a steady shot diet and a place in closing lineups. An embrace of his role will give him a better chance at extending his stay in Boston beyond this summer.
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