Key Highlights
- Nikola Vucevic believes the Chicago Bulls need more help beyond the trade deadline.
- The team trails Miami by 54 points in a recent game, prompting Vucevic to speak openly about roster needs.
- Vucevic identifies size and athleticism as key areas of improvement.
- Dario Saric is seen as a potential addition due to his experience and fit with the Bulls’ strategy.
The State of the Chicago Bulls: An Inside Look at Their Needs
Nikola Vucevic, the veteran center of the Chicago Bulls, has been vocal about the team’s current situation. The Bulls (27-24) have struggled recently, with a recent game against Miami ending in a 134-91 defeat where they trailed by as many points as you can imagine.
With the trade deadline fast approaching on Thursday, Vucevic has made it clear that help is needed. The Bulls are currently positioned in the middle of the Eastern Conference and face the prospect of another play-in tournament appearance, which Vucevic finds unappealing.
The Team’s Roster Needs
According to Vucevic, “Mainly, we need some size and athleticism.” This comes as no surprise in today’s NBA landscape where many teams are filled with big wings capable of stretching the floor. The Bulls, on the other hand, are undersized at most positions.
Potential Trades
The Bulls’ executive vice president of basketball operations, Arturas Karnisovas, has reportedly inquired about several players, including Rockets forward Tari Eason, Pelicans center Yves Missi, and Pelicans forward Zion Williamson. However, the hope is that Dario Saric can provide some immediate help.
Speaking on Saric, Vucevic stated, “I know him pretty well. He’s from the same region of Europe.
I met him when he came to the NBA in 2016, but I watched him when he was younger too. . . . ‘He’s a very good guy, knows how to play. He’s a high-IQ player, experienced, been around the playoffs, been around winning teams, so from that standpoint, it will help us a lot and gives us even more size.’”
The Injuries
Injuries have also hit the Bulls’ center position hard. Zach Collins is dealing with an injured big toe, and Jalen Smith has missed some games due to calf and hamstring issues as well as a concussion.
Vucevic expressed hope that Dario Saric could fit in well: “We’ve shown throughout the year that when we’ve played big, it’s been pretty good for us. It’s unfortunate that Zach got hurt because I felt like we had a really good thing going. But hopefully with Dario, we can get him in, try and use some of that big lineup and see where that goes.”
The Future
The Bulls will need to navigate these challenges carefully as they approach the trade deadline. Whether or not there are moves made, Vucevic’s comments underscore the team’s understanding of what is needed for improvement.