Simply three video games with the Celtics and Nikola Vučević is making some noise

Nikola Vučević has performed three video games with Boston and, up to now, he’s been precisely as marketed.

The Montenegrin huge man is averaging 13.7 factors and 9.7 rebounds whereas capturing 48.5% from the ground and higher than 41% from three. As a confirmed veteran, you usually know what you’re getting from Vučević — regular scoring, sturdy rebounding, and a elegant offensive sport.

Growing up, my two favourite NBA gamers have been Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan — Garnett for his protection and depth, and Duncan for his fundamentals and exquisite put up sport. What I love most about Vučević is that very same type of polished presence on the block. It’s one thing that the Celtics have lacked through the years. Al Horford, in his early years with Boston, was a dependable put up choice, however as he bought older, he drifted behind the arc extra to assist house the ground.

Now, Boston has a participant who’s each a reliable put up menace and a succesful outdoors shooter. On any given evening, Vučević can simply be the group’s second-leading scorer, which provides Boston’s offense extra stability — and that’s already been the case by his first three video games.

In his first sport in inexperienced, Vučević was clearly a bit passive. It regarded like he didn’t need to step on anybody’s toes as he adjusted to a brand new group and system. He’s not going to be a fantastic defender, and there can be moments when faster gamers beat him. But having him come off the bench alongside Payton Pritchard creates a dynamic one-two, inside-outside punch that may maintain the scoring flowing when Jaylen Brown and/or Derrick White are off the ground. Over time, Vučević will get extra snug with the defensive rotations and group schemes. I count on him to look sharper on that finish as he settles in.

Against his former group, Vučević confirmed the Boston Celtics devoted at TD Garden precisely what he’s able to. The huge man completed with 19 factors, 11 rebounds, three assists, and two blocks within the win over the Bulls. What impressed me most was his 4-of-5 capturing from three. If Vučević can persistently knock down the three-ball, he provides a dimension this group was lacking previous to the deadline.

Another key ingredient Vučević brings to this Celtics group is elite rebounding. Before becoming a member of Boston, he averaged 9 rebounds per sport, and up to now, he’s posted rebound totals of 11, 6, and 12. In his debut alone, he grabbed six offensive boards — an enormous increase for second-chance alternatives. That presence will pair effectively when Neemias Queta heads to the bench. Having no less than one sturdy rebounder on the ground always — and the power to persistently assault the offensive glass — can be pivotal for Boston, particularly in tight playoff-style video games.

Three video games in, it’s laborious to not just like the match. Vučević provides Boston a special look offensively — a real inside scorer who may also step out and stretch the ground, one thing Boston has missed since eliminating each Horford and Kristaps Porziņģis. He stabilizes bench models, provides rebounding toughness, and brings veteran poise to a group with championship aspirations.

If that is the baseline, then Boston could have discovered precisely what it wanted. I actually imagine Vučević goes to be a fantastic addition to this roster. More than something, I’m glad he will get the chance to play significant basketball on a reliable contender. Veterans like him don’t all the time get that likelihood late of their careers, and if these first three video games are any indication, he’s going to make an affect.