ORLANDO – Has Nikola Vucevic become a top five – perhaps even top three – passing center in the NBA?
Statistics say he has. In fact, some might argue that the seven-year pro is the second best playmaking big man in the entire league behind Denver’s Nikola Jokic.
Let’s analyze.
For one, the 27-year-old ranked fifth among centers in assists per game (3.4) in 2017-18 and he dished out at least five assists in 12 of the 57 games he appeared in.
What’s more interesting, though, is how efficient Vucevic’s teammates were when the 7-foot Montenegrin delivered them the ball before a shot attempt.
Aaron Gordon, Evan Fournier, Mario Hezonja, D.J. Augustin and Shelvin Mack all shot at least 50 percent from the field in catch-and-shoot situations when the pass came from Vucevic.
Here’s a breakdown of how many of the following center’s teammates shot 50 percent or better in catch-and-shoot scenarios (min. 10 shot attempts) when the pass was distributed directly by each big man this past season:
Regardless of the pass type – kickout, attacking, interior, handoff, perimeter or skip – Vucevic did a great job using his excellent court vision and instincts to set up his teammates.
Here’s a look at 3-point percentages logged by some of Vucevic’s teammates when he kicked the ball out to them from the post.
Among centers who ranked in the top 10 in assists last year, only Horford and Pau Gasol averaged fewer turnovers than Vucevic.
Check out a few of Vucevic’s assists from 2017-18:
