The Celtics put on a show against the Lakers, and the buzz is all about Jaylen Brown's MVP-caliber performance and the team's young, dynamic wing defenders. With consistent contributions from Payton Pritchard or Derrick White, the Celtics' backcourt is holding its own night after night.
When it comes to Jayson Tatum's anticipated return, there's been some chatter about Nikola Vucevic's role. While Bill Simmons suggests the Celtics wouldn't have made certain moves without expecting Tatum's comeback, there's some skepticism about Vucevic's impact so far.
Simmons notes that Vucevic has moments of brilliance, but there are nights where he seems to show his age. The suggestion that the Celtics might have fared even better with Luka Garza instead of Vucevic is telling. It's a sentiment that resonates with many Celtics fans who were initially disappointed with trading Anfernee Simons for Vucevic, hoping he'd rediscover his prime form in Boston.
Vucevic brings a new dynamic with his scoring, spacing, and passing, offering the Celtics a different look. There will likely be playoff moments where he makes a significant impact off the bench. However, there are also matchups where he struggles against physical opponents, failing to capitalize on mismatches.
This trade was a calculated risk, banking on Vucevic's strengths outweighing those of Simons. The move will look even smarter if Tatum returns to take on more perimeter duties and if Vucevic can be retained on a favorable contract.
Ultimately, Vucevic isn't the transformative player to push the Celtics to the next level. He's a solid addition, providing veteran experience and depth, but he's not the All-Star he once was.