Nikola Vucevic believes the Chicago Bulls are finally playing as one, and just in time for the postseason.
“Our chemistry has really come together a lot,” Vucevic told NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson in a recent interview, underscoring the team’s steady progress after an inconsistent start.
The veteran center pointed to both roster turnover and growing trust in the coaching staff as key factors behind the Bulls’ improved cohesion.
“As the year went on, we started really buying into even more the way that the coaches want us to play,” Vucevic said.
The Bulls entered the season with a restructured rotation following key departures and new additions, forcing players to recalibrate roles and responsibilities.
“We had some new players come in and some guys leave so, that took a little bit of time for all of us to gel,” Vucevic added.
Despite those early hurdles, the Bulls closed the regular season with a 39–43 record, securing the 9th seed in the Eastern Conference standings.
They are now preparing to face the Miami Heat in a play-in matchup, with the winner moving one step closer to a postseason berth.
Vucevic, 34, played a central role throughout the year, averaging 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 31.2 minutes per game.
While the Bulls rank near the bottom in defensive rating, their offense improved significantly during the final stretch, partly due to increased ball movement and discipline.
“We were all committed to playing the right way on both ends of the floor and it’s showing,” said Vucevic, emphasizing the team’s mindset shift.
Chicago’s next test comes against a Miami squad that finished 37–45 and struggled to find rhythm after key injuries.
The winner of Wednesday’s game will advance to face the loser of the 7–8 matchup, with a chance to clinch the 8th seed and a first-round playoff series.
