Nikola Vucevic

[Big333223]

Should the Celtics target Nik Vucevic?

I think he's gettable because Orlando has a big man logjam with Ibaka (just acquired in a trade), Biyombo (just lavished with a big contract), and Aaron Gordon (their youngest young stud who they are soon to realize is a PF not a SF) and on top of that they've looked really bad so far and might be willing to make a change.

The pros are that I think he'd fit into the Celtics offense beautifully. He's only 26. He's not a 3 point threat, but he's a good mid range shooter and would always be playing alongside a stretchy 4 (Horford, Olynyk) or a small ball 4 who can shoot (Crowder, Brown). On top of that, he's an intelligent passer who can replace some of the post playmaking the C's lose when Horford is on the bench (or has a concussion) and can bang with some of the bigger bodies Horford doesn't like to tangle with.

Of course, the biggest pro is that he averages 10 rebounds per game in his career and has taken down 12.8 per game over the first 4 of this season.

The cons are his defense. Someone else can correct me on this, but I think he's got slow feet and just not much of an instinct for that side of the ball.

If he could get got for a reasonable price he would fill a lot of holes for this team.

[kraidstar]

Not really interested. He has three years left on his deal at $12M+.

Rather save our cap flexibility for someone who moves the needle more. Having him costs us almost half a max player.

[jambr380]

kraid makes a good point - it is a bummer, but we are kind-of stuck with what we have this year (unless we acquire a player on an expiring contract and/or super-duper star). Danny is going to be all-in on free agency again, and, while Durant is probably a lost cause, players like Hayward or Griffin could be obtainable.

As for Vucevic and his contract - yeah, definitely a decent player on a decent contract - in the Greg Monroe mold (Monroe could be expiring unless he totally blows it this year, in which case he may pick up his player option). I would love to have him this year and I get that he is probably pretty movable, but he will probably cost a little too much and could get in the way next off-season if there are no takers.

[Big333223]

That wouldn't bother me in the least. Vucevic could almost definitely be moved in an instant if the C's needed the cap room to sign someone like Griffin or Durant. Meanwhile, that scenario is unlikely and Vucevic could help this team a lot right now.

[littleteapot]

If you think he'll be worth it for the life of his contract, then flexibility is not an issue. You can always trade him if you're going to max someone out.

I haven't seen him enough but looking at the stats, he doesn't seem to take as many shots as you'd want an offensive minded big man to take, and he's not efficient away from the rim. I think you have to be somewhat concerned about his ability to get good shots in our offense, given that you're sacrificing defense.

[saltlover]

It all depends on price and what his value is around the league.  Zeller can be traded straight up for him salary-wise.  Is it just a first to acquire him?  And if so, which first?  I don't think Vucevic is an All-Star, but I'd prefer him to Zeller for this year.

His salary almost matches perfectly with DMC, such that he works for an easy draft night trade or July trade with filler like Jackson or Mickey added in.  Would Vucevic' inclusion be more attractive to SAC in a trade than the draft pick compensation traded to Orlando to acquire him?

If the cost isn't too steep, and he'd be a better piece in a Cousins trade than said acquisition cost, it makes sense.  If not, it probably doesn't.  Vucevic makes us a better team, but it's not clear he'd put us over the top.  So you'd want it to be low risk in terms of preventing future moves.

[jay]

NM