As it stands, it seems that Nikola Vucevic's time with the Boston Celtics has already come to an end.
He's 35 years old, can't play a lick of defense, struggled greatly during his time in Boston after the team acquired him at the trade deadline (8.7 PPG, 6 RPG, 2.1 APG, 42.6 FG%, 32.5 3FG% in 22 total games and was a DNP-CD in a Game 7 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers), and the Celtics may already have a better backup option on the team in Luka Garza.
However, while the Swiss native left a lot to be desired during his brief time with the Celtics, it's fair to wonder if it could still be worth bringing him back ahead of his unrestricted free agency. He did miss a month of action after suffering a finger injury (during Jayson Tatum's return game, no less), and he just constantly looked out of sorts, largely because he couldn't find his rhythm.
That's not entirely his fault. And let's not forget that he was averaging 16.9 PPG, 9 RPG, and 3.8 APG on 50.5/37.6% with the Chicago Bulls in the same season.
The Celtics need to figure out who the real Nikola Vucevic is
Two things are true about Vucevic's time in Boston so far: 1) It was just about as bad as anybody expected it to be. He couldn't hit shots despite being a stretch big, and his defense was even worse than advertised. And 2) he probably wouldn't ever play that poorly again.
Sure, Vucevic is going to be 36 years old right around the start of next season, but it's not like he was this athletic freak whose body is breaking down, and now he's lost all his powers like he was in Space Jam. He's a long-time veteran big man who is (was?) a reliable three-point shooter and rebounder. And that's all the Celtics really need him for.
The idea of Vucevic in Boston was better than the reality, but he was also dealt a pretty bad hand. It takes time for players to adjust to new roles, systems, etc., especially during the season, and he never had that opportunity for two reasons: his injury and Tatum's return, where he was also trying to get acclimated for different reasons.
What should the Celtics do with Nikola Vucevic?
I had wanted Vucevic in Boston for years, especially during his last few seasons with the Orlando Magic. But now that I've seen it, I think I'm good.
Even though I'm in the camp that thinks the USC alum would be better with a full offseason in Boston and a more defined role next year, I still don't think it makes a ton of sense. The Celtics seem to have a good thing going in Garza's development, and it wouldn't make sense to mess with that just for the sake of bringing Vucevic back. (Plus, his defense and lack of speed aren't going to get any better.)
Vucevic does provide some value, and it's not like he was the worst player to ever wear a Celtics jersey, but his time in Boston has seemingly come to an end. And rightfully so.
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