Nikola Vučević has only been in a Celtics uniform for three games, but already, he’s making his presence felt - and in exactly the ways Boston hoped he would.
Through his first stretch with the team, Vučević is averaging 13.7 points and 9.7 rebounds while shooting nearly 49% from the field and over 41% from deep. That’s not just solid - that’s efficient, versatile production from a veteran big who knows exactly who he is. For Boston, that kind of reliability in the frontcourt is a welcome addition.
What makes Vučević such a valuable piece isn’t just the numbers - though they certainly help - it’s the way he gets them. He brings a level of polish in the post that this Celtics team hasn’t consistently had in recent years.
Al Horford once filled that role, but as his game evolved (and his legs aged), he shifted more to the perimeter to help space the floor. Vučević, by contrast, gives Boston a legitimate low-block option and a pick-and-pop threat.
That dual-threat ability adds a new layer to the Celtics’ offense.
In these early games, we’ve already seen glimpses of how that can change the dynamic. Vučević doesn’t need to dominate touches to be effective.
He’s a smart, patient scorer who can find his rhythm within the flow of the offense. And on any given night, he’s capable of being Boston’s second-leading scorer - something that’s already happened in this short sample size.
His debut was a bit tentative - understandable for a veteran trying to find his place in a new system. But even then, there were flashes.
He didn’t force the issue, played within himself, and showed a willingness to do the little things. That kind of self-awareness is rare and valuable, especially on a team with multiple offensive weapons.
Defensively, Vučević isn’t going to be a game-changer. He’s not the fleetest of foot, and quicker players can take advantage in space.
But Boston doesn’t need him to be a lockdown defender. What they need - and what he’s already providing - is size, rebounding, and positional awareness.
Playing alongside someone like Payton Pritchard off the bench gives the second unit a nice inside-out balance, and over time, as Vučević gets more familiar with Boston’s defensive schemes, he should become even more effective on that end.
His performance against the Bulls - his former team - was the early highlight. Vučević dropped 19 points, pulled down 11 boards, dished out three assists, and even blocked two shots.
But the real eye-opener? He hit 4-of-5 from beyond the arc.
If he can consistently stretch the floor like that, it opens up a world of options for Joe Mazzulla’s offense. Suddenly, Boston has a big who can punish mismatches inside and force opposing bigs to defend out on the perimeter - a matchup nightmare for a lot of teams.
Rebounding has been another area where Vučević is already making an impact. Before joining Boston, he was averaging nine boards per game, and he’s kept that pace - with totals of 11, 6, and 12 in his first three games.
In his debut alone, he grabbed six offensive rebounds, creating second-chance opportunities that can swing momentum in close games. That’s the kind of gritty, under-the-radar contribution that wins playoff series.
His presence also gives Boston a level of frontcourt stability. When Neemias Queta goes to the bench, the Celtics don’t have to worry about a drop-off in rebounding or interior scoring. Vučević fills that gap seamlessly and brings a veteran calm that can help settle second units.
Three games in, it’s clear: Vučević fits. He gives Boston a different offensive look - a true post scorer who can also stretch the floor.
He bolsters the bench, battles on the boards, and brings a veteran’s poise to a team with championship goals. And maybe most importantly, he’s doing it without needing to be the focal point.
If this is just the beginning, the Celtics may have found exactly what they needed at exactly the right time. Vučević isn’t here to steal the spotlight - he’s here to fill gaps, steady the ship, and help push this team toward a deep playoff run. And so far, he’s doing just that.