While DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic have been teammates for only three seasons, Deebo is well aware of the big man’s body of work. After all, the two veterans were college teammates and have played most of their careers in the Eastern Conference, with DeRozan spending nine years with the Toronto Raptors and Vucevic playing nine seasons for the Orlando Magic.
So when Vucevic recently reached a major career milestone of 500 double-doubles, DeRozan wasn’t surprised at all. In fact, he had nothing but praise for his teammate’s consistency and tenacity on the court.
Vooch doing Vooch things
When Vucevic’s name is mentioned, consistency almost always comes to mind. It means whenever the 6-foot-10 big man is on the floor, a team is almost assured of at least double-digit points and rebounds. This is something Deebo has grown accustomed to in their years together in the NBA.
“That's Vooch,” DeRozan said after Vucevic produced 22 points and 13 rebounds in Chicago’s 114-106 win over the New Orleans Pelicans last Sunday.
“Vooch, no matter who we play against, no matter who it is, Vooch is going to be Vooch.”
With the Pelicans boasting of a humongous frontline featuring Jonas Valanciunas, Zion Williamson, and Brandon Ingram, Vucevic helped anchor the Bulls down low and even up the rebounding battle, 49-all.
No longer surprised by what Vucevic does
With the Bulls’ frontline missing a few key pieces in Patrick Williams, who’s out for the remainder of the season because of foot surgery, and Torrey Craig, who’s out indefinitely due to a knee sprain, Vucevic’s presence becomes even more vital. And his performance against the Pelicans is just a glimpse of what he brings to the table for the Bulls.
“It’s never surprising when he goes out there and gets his double-double, plays his game and for him to dominate the way he dominates. When he does that, it’s a great outcome for us,” Deebo remarked.
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