There was a certain amount of pride that Nikola Vucevic wore as being the first piece.
Back in 2021, the then-new regime for the Bulls needed to make a splash, so acquired the All-Star center in March of that season, teaming him with the untapped potential of Zach LaVine and months later eventually with DeMar DeRozan.
But it was Vucevic that represented that first guest in the house.
Years later, the veteran never thought he’d be the last one left to turn the lights off.
But there he was early Saturday evening, trying to reflect on a sixth straight loss for the Bulls, as well as his own present and future.
“It was kind of like, ‘OK, what happens with me?’ “ Vucevic said. “The front office picked a direction, and now at this point of the season we have what we have. I was a little out of my rhythm, but I feel like I’ve found a few things the last couple of games, but I still need to play better than I have. You just got to stay a pro no matter what is going on.”
While what’s been going on hasn’t surprised Vucevic, it has got into his feelings a bit.
His former college teammate and good friend in DeRozan was traded last summer – almost the same time as defensive standout Alex Caruso was also dealt – and then on Feb. 2, LaVine was sent west, packaged to the Sacramento Kings, days before the trade deadline.
Vucevic certainly felt like he was next.
The Bulls did get in discussions for Vucevic with several teams, including Golden State, but when the Heat finally opted to move off Jimmy Butler, the Warriors turned their attention in that direction.
The deadline came and went, and of the Bulls’ version of the “Big Three,” only Vucevic remains.
“You have to do your best to be there for your teammates,” Vucevic said of his mindset. “We’re still playing for something. We’re still in that play-in hunt. Obviously, it was very disappointing to see Zach go. Me being the last of the ‘three’ that were here, and the other guys as well, this is the way it works in this business. It was tough for a little bit when he got traded.”
That was seen off the court and on the court as far as Vucevic was concerned.
In the 49 games prior to the LaVine deal, Vucevic was averaging 19.9 points and 10.4 rebounds per game but doing so on 55.1% shooting from the field and 40.1% from three-point range. In the seven games since the deal, the scoring was down to 14 points per game to go along with 9.6 rebounds on 40.4% from the field and a dismal 27.6% from three.
The good news for the 34-year-old veteran? He seems to be getting out of the funk, evident by his 19.3-point average over the last three games, including going 6-of-13 from three.
Vucevic making the adjustment in more ways than one.
While LaVine’s absence affects the likes of guards Coby White and Josh Giddey more than most, especially how opposing teams are now defending them, it also impacted what Vucevic was used to. That’s why it’s still a work in progress.
“When we did have Zach, especially when he got really hot, they would have to double-team him and that would open up a lot for me,” Vucevic said. “When you’re missing a guy like Zach, who is an easy 20-25 points per game, the attention he gathers from the defense it did open up the floor for us more, so that’s different.
“You got to be a pro and adjust to it.”
And who knows, it could very well be Vucevic that is moved in July. A realistic scenario he is prepared for.
Until then, however, he’s doing his best to “be a pro.” Keep the lights on until told otherwise.