So Nikola Vucevic could shoot again…

Have you ever heard one of those crazy stories about a dog or cat that travels hundreds of miles to magically appear on its owner’s doorstep? That’s how I feel about Nikola Vucevic’s three-point shot.

The big man’s long-range shooting ability has felt like a distant memory in recent seasons. After joining the organization as a 40.0 percent shooter on good volume, he shot just 32.0 percent from downtown during his three full seasons with the team. Things reached a low point during the 2023-2024 campaign, when the big man’s defense actually began to sag. His 29.4 success rate from behind the arc marked his worst clip since he started shooting at least 1.0 attempts per game in 2016-17.

Considering Vucevic’s lack of raw athleticism and defensive acumen, his ability to create space always felt extremely important. Sure, he was a one-sided player, but he was one of the few true centers who could survive on the perimeter and succeed in a more modern system. The consistent recovery combined with the offensive versatility was a legitimately rare and valuable combination. And it’s exactly why he was able to make two All-Star rosters.

Unfortunately, it felt like this version of Vucevic was fading away faster and faster over the past few seasons. He still showed above-average rebounding and post skills, but whether or not he was someone who could be considered an impact player became a fair question.

Well, he’s put some of those questions to bed to start this year.

Vucevic’s first week of the NBA season has gone great. The big man has scored at least 21 points in three of the Bulls’ four games, and he started the season with three straight double-doubles!

Nikola Vucevic’s first four games

@ Pelicans – 21 PTS (8-12 FG, 1-2 3PT), 11 REB, 1 AST
@ Bucks – 22 PTS (7-17 FG, 4-9 3PT), 10 REB, 4 AST
vs. OKC – 18 PTS (7-12 FG, 2-2 3PT), 13 REB, 2 AST
@ Grizzlies – 22 PTS (9-19 FG, 4-8 3PT), 7 REB, 5 AST

The Chicago Bulls’ new up-tempo style of play felt like it could only continue to expose Vucevic’s weakness, but the veteran has fit into the game surprisingly well. One reason for that is his underrated connective passing ability, which he’s used to helping Chicago make quick decisions in the halfcourt. The biggest reason, however, is undoubtedly the return of his three-point shot.

As you can see above, Vucevic is shooting a pretty stunning 11-21 from behind the arc to start the season. He made at least four shots from downtown in two of his four games. He had ZERO performances like that last season. His 5.3 attempts per game are also his highest since 2020-21, when he first joined Chicago.

By knocking down these shots again, he is allowing the Bulls offense to make the changes it wants to make. Chicago now plays a legitimate five-out system that leaves the middle of the floor free for off-ball moves or aggressive drives to the rim. They have also started the year shooting 46.8 three-point attempts per game, which ranks second in the NBA!

To be on the safe side, I say all this while realizing we are only four games into the season. Vucevic isn’t rolling, shooting 52.4 percent from the field on 5.3 attempts per game. There’s going to be a dip. However, I think it’s fair to say that Vucevic has given us a reason to believe he has something figured out on that end of the floor. This is great news for the identity the Bulls are trying to establish… as well as for the trade talks that may arise in the future. But that’s a conversation for another day!