The Boston Celtics made a significant splash before the NBA Trade Deadline last week, sending Anfernee Simons and a second-round pick to the Chicago Bulls for Nikola Vucevic and a second-round pick on Tuesday.
The swap has worked out well for both sides so far, as both players are off to strong starts with their new teams.
Simons led the Bulls in scoring with 22 points in his Chicago debut on Thursday, picking up where he left off in his final game with the Celtics.
Meanwhile, Vucevic contributed an impressive double-double off the bench for Boston on Friday, helping the Celtics overcome a 22-point deficit against the Miami Heat with 11 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals in 28 minutes. He led the team in rebounds and steals while ranking second in assists to Derrick White’s 5.
It was Vucevic’s first time coming off the bench this season, but he thrived in his new role for his new team. The two-time All-Star did a little bit of everything and had a major impact on the boards, notching the most rebounds by a player in his Celtics debut since Kevin Garnett in 2007.
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The Celtics have been short on rebounding this season after losing Kristaps Porzingis, Al Horford and Luke Kornet last summer, plus Jayson Tatum to injury. Vucevic is averaging 9.0 rebounds per game this year, which would lead the team.
Meanwhile, the 35-year-old center is excited to join Boston for the stretch run and has always enjoyed playing there.
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“I’ve always enjoyed playing here. One of my favorite arenas, great fans, they know the game… now I’m glad they’re supporting me,” he said after Friday’s win.
It’s only been one game, but it seems like this trade will be a great match for both the player and the team.
