The 2022-23 NBA season is on the horizon as media day and the opening of training camp start next week.
Before the season begins, it’s only right to kick off a new NBA campaign with player rankings and predictions, which ESPN has put together with its NBArank of their top 100 players.
On Tuesday, ESPN’s NBA staff released the first 74 players in the top 100 rankings, which included Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic at No. 57. Vucevic was ranked No. 39 in last year’s ESPN’s NBArank.
Jamal Collier of ESPN elaborates on Vucevic’s ranking:
“Can Vucevic bounce back in a contract year? The Bulls thought they were pairing three All-Stars with DeRozan, LaVine and Vucevic, but the big man had a disappointing 2021-22 campaign, shooting 31.4% from 3 and struggling on defense.”
Collier is right — outside of Lonzo’s health, Vooch’s production and future with the team is the biggest question lingering over the Bulls this season. After a disappointing 2021-22 season, trade rumors involving Vucevic began swirling as early as last season’s trade deadline.
In a contract year, a strong start in the first-half of the season for Vucevic is crucial for not just Chicago’s season but for his future in the Windy City.
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