‘There’s so much more I can do’

Chicago Bulls big man Nikola Vucevic had a disappointing season in 2021-22 to his standards.

Vucevic averaged 17.6 points (lowest since 2017-18), 11.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. He not only struggled around the basket, but spent more time on the perimeter than ever before, as the 12-year veteran attempted to navigate playing with two All-Star’s in DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine.

On Monday at media day, Vooch was asked about last season and how he plans to continue to adapt his game on the offensive end.

“It’s not so much about my usage as far as number of shots. It’s more of the positions on the court where I can be effective,” Vucevic said. “Last year, there were times that I said I was too much hanging out on the perimeter and yeah, I can shoot the ball, but it’s not what I do. The 3-point is not my main weapon.”

Vooch has a point — he’s a one of the best, most efficient big men scoring on the block in the league, with an exception to last season. Adapting to playing with two high volume guys in DeRozan and Lavine can certainly be a challenge. For Vucevic that challenge came with being pushed out to the 3-point line to create space in the lane.

“People focus so much on my 3-point shot, and it’s something I’ve added and I want to continue to get better at and do because it helps myself and the team, but there’s so much more I can do on the court,” Vucevic said. “I think last year, I didn’t do those other stuff enough. I feel like I was shooting too many threes, even when things weren’t going my way.”

Look for a motivated Vucevic to bounce back this season as the Bulls’ big 3 continue to mesh on the floor.

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