Bulls' Nikola Vucevic Believes Roster Needs Overhaul Amid Struggles.
Nikola Vucevic, the veteran center for the Chicago Bulls, has admitted that his team needs more help to achieve success. The Bulls are currently 27-24 and face a critical stretch of the season, with the trade deadline looming on Thursday.
In response to a game where his team was beatdown by as many as 54 points, Vucevic stated that there are certain aspects that the Bulls need to improve in order to take their next step. While he acknowledged that the front office's actions may or may not impact this season's trajectory, Vucevic emphasized that something needs to change.
"It seems like every year we're in this same position," said Vucevic, "and it's just not fun when you can't get out of that play-in and keep getting stuck behind Miami. But I think there are certain things that this team needs to take the next step."
When asked specifically about what he believes the Bulls need to improve on, Vucevic replied that additional size and athleticism would be beneficial for the team. He noted that most teams in the league have bigger wings at their two, three, and four positions, which has changed the way the game is played.
"We're pretty undersized at most positions," said Vucevic. "I think that's the main thing. Because the way the league is right now, a lot of teams have these big wings, I think that's something that can definitely help us if we add some of that."
This sentiment has been echoed by Arturas Karnisovas, the Bulls' executive vice president of basketball operations. According to sources close to the team, Karnisovas will continue to be aggressive in pursuit of deals leading up to the trade deadline.
While Vucevic expressed optimism about the potential addition of Dario Saric, a journeyman forward and center acquired from the Kings as part of a three-team deal on Sunday, he also acknowledged that injuries have plagued the Bulls' frontcourt. Zach Collins has been dealing with an injured big toe since late December, while Jalen Smith has missed games due to calf and hamstring issues.
In response to these challenges, Vucevic emphasized the importance of finding ways to stay healthy and cohesive as a team. When asked about their recent reliance on a two-big lineup, he noted that it had been successful but also acknowledged that injuries have disrupted this strategy.
"We've shown throughout the year that when we play big, it's been pretty good for us," said Vucevic. "But hopefully with Dario, we can get him in and try to use some of that big lineup and see where that goes."
The Bulls will look to build momentum as they head into a critical stretch of their season, with the trade deadline looming large on Thursday.
Nikola Vucevic, the veteran center for the Chicago Bulls, has admitted that his team needs more help to achieve success. The Bulls are currently 27-24 and face a critical stretch of the season, with the trade deadline looming on Thursday.
In response to a game where his team was beatdown by as many as 54 points, Vucevic stated that there are certain aspects that the Bulls need to improve in order to take their next step. While he acknowledged that the front office's actions may or may not impact this season's trajectory, Vucevic emphasized that something needs to change.
"It seems like every year we're in this same position," said Vucevic, "and it's just not fun when you can't get out of that play-in and keep getting stuck behind Miami. But I think there are certain things that this team needs to take the next step."
When asked specifically about what he believes the Bulls need to improve on, Vucevic replied that additional size and athleticism would be beneficial for the team. He noted that most teams in the league have bigger wings at their two, three, and four positions, which has changed the way the game is played.
"We're pretty undersized at most positions," said Vucevic. "I think that's the main thing. Because the way the league is right now, a lot of teams have these big wings, I think that's something that can definitely help us if we add some of that."
This sentiment has been echoed by Arturas Karnisovas, the Bulls' executive vice president of basketball operations. According to sources close to the team, Karnisovas will continue to be aggressive in pursuit of deals leading up to the trade deadline.
While Vucevic expressed optimism about the potential addition of Dario Saric, a journeyman forward and center acquired from the Kings as part of a three-team deal on Sunday, he also acknowledged that injuries have plagued the Bulls' frontcourt. Zach Collins has been dealing with an injured big toe since late December, while Jalen Smith has missed games due to calf and hamstring issues.
In response to these challenges, Vucevic emphasized the importance of finding ways to stay healthy and cohesive as a team. When asked about their recent reliance on a two-big lineup, he noted that it had been successful but also acknowledged that injuries have disrupted this strategy.
"We've shown throughout the year that when we play big, it's been pretty good for us," said Vucevic. "But hopefully with Dario, we can get him in and try to use some of that big lineup and see where that goes."
The Bulls will look to build momentum as they head into a critical stretch of their season, with the trade deadline looming large on Thursday.
I mean Nikola Vucevic is trying to tell them what needs to change but its hard to see what they can do since the front office is being pretty quiet about making some changes 
Maybe adding more size and athleticism would help, but idk if that gonna make a big diff with the injuries they got 
. When you're missing that size and athleticism 
, it's hard to win 
. Vucevic is trying to get his team together 
, but injuries are like my ex's drama - they just won't leave 
. Bring in some fresh blood 
and maybe these Bulls can start winning again 
! 
. Adding some serious size and athleticism would be a game changer for them 
. We've seen what teams with bigger wings are doing - it's the way of the future 
. And with injuries piling up, it's hard to see them taking that next step without making some big changes 
. I'm keeping my fingers crossed they can make some moves before Thursday and shake up this losing streak 
. i mean, 27-24 is def not a bad record, but like vucevic said, they're still stuck in that same old play-in spot every year and it gets boring watching them struggle so much.
. adding more size and athleticism sounds good and all, but what exactly does that mean? do they need to go out and get some bigger guys or just focus on developing the players they already have?
what they need is someone who can stretch the defense like saric or maybe even just a decent scorer to balance out zach collins' injury woes 
. I mean, come on, 54 points beatdown? That's not just a coincidence, that's a systemic problem 
.
? We'll see about that on Thursday 
.
... I mean, most teams have these big guys at the 2, 3, and 4 spots, so what's the Bulls' excuse? They're not trying hard enough to build around their core players or something. 
... I hope he knows what he's doing.
.
. And the Bulls need to find ways to stay healthy and cohesive as a team, but it sounds like they're relying too much on that two-big lineup 
. Maybe Dario Saric can bring some freshness to the table 
? Only time will tell 
.
. Vucevic's right, though - we need more size and athleticism up front 
. I mean, who needs wings that long? 