CHICAGO — Nikola Vučević doesn’t always wear his frustration well, and lately, that frustration has become impossible to ignore. The veteran center, known for ripping towels in half or flashing a middle finger when angered, found himself benched in the final 18 minutes of Friday’s road win over the Charlotte Hornets — a game that snapped the Bulls’ seven-game losing streak. Zach Collins and Jalen Smith anchored the fourth quarter in Vučević’s place, highlighting a growing debate about whether the All-Star center still belongs in the starting lineup.
At 35, Vučević is the lone veteran on a team committed to rebuilding around youth. The Bulls’ rapid pace sometimes leaves him behind, and questions about his place in Chicago’s future linger — from fans, media, and even those closest to him. “It’s not always easy, to be honest with you, when the team is struggling, when you are struggling, when things are not going your way,” Vučević told the Tribune. “Those questions do creep into your mind… especially when things are not going well. It’s natural, human nature, but you just have to find a way to limit it as much as possible.”
While Vučević’s dedication has never wavered — he has missed only 27 games since joining the Bulls in 2021 and produced career-best shooting numbers last season — this campaign has exposed cracks in both performance and stamina. The team has battled injuries to seven rotation players, yet maintains a pace that particularly challenges a center. Vučević has found himself struggling to stay engaged, tired of losing, and, increasingly, questioning his long-term future in Chicago.
Defensively, the center’s limitations have become more pronounced. Once a respectable rim presence, Vučević now allows opponents to shoot 66.4% in the restricted area when he’s the primary defender. His blocks have dropped to just 0.3 per game, and his ability to contest at the basket has waned. Coach Billy Donovan emphasized that rim protection has never been Vučević’s strongest suit: “He’s tried to play his verticals, but he’s not a shot blocker. It’s a partnership between him and the guard.”
Offensively, Vučević still provides leadership and scoring, but the Bulls’ young roster now challenges him in ways previous teammates could buffer. Zach Collins and Jalen Smith may not match Vučević’s shooting range, but their activity on the interior creates matchup problems and questions about whether the center should retain his starting role.
Vučević himself admits to the struggle. “I’m aware that my defense is not my strength on the court,” he said. “I try to do my best… talking to my coaches, to my teammates, and trying to do the best I can.” Even so, his experience remains invaluable to a youthful squad craving guidance. His presence on the bench has also been constructive, offering encouragement and leadership when the team’s young core needs it most.
Amid speculation, legendary coach Phil Jackson offered a broader perspective: “When questions arise about a player’s role, especially someone like Nikola Vučević, it’s never just about one individual. All of us share responsibility for the team’s performance — coaches, players, everyone involved. Nikola is a talented player, and whether he starts or comes off the bench, our focus is on creating the best opportunities for the Bulls to win. It’s about collective accountability, not singling anyone out.”
Donovan has experimented with rotations, including two-big lineups featuring Smith at power forward, signaling that nothing is set in stone. The upcoming weeks, including the Feb. 5 trade deadline, could reshape the Bulls’ roster dramatically. For Vučević, the challenge is clear: remain engaged, adapt to new rotations, and continue providing leadership, even if it comes from the bench.
In a season where Chicago’s rebuild collides with veteran expectations, Vučević remains a crucial piece — both as a scorer and a stabilizing presence. Yet, as the Bulls navigate injuries, youth development, and trade rumors, the team may ultimately have to imagine a future where Vučević is no longer in the starting lineup. For now, the veteran center stands at a crossroads, his role emblematic of the tension between loyalty, performance, and the imperatives of a rebuilding franchise.
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