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Chicago Bulls: Nikola Vučević will win 2022 NBA Most Improved Player

By Thomas J. Brown

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on May 15, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MAY 15: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on May 15, 2021 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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Chicago Bulls
Chicago Bulls Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports /

Why Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic can win MIP: He’s an underrated passer

Nikola Jokić is the best passing center in the NBA since Bill Walton. Like Walton in 1978, Jokić was awarded the league MVP award in 2021. While the 8.3 assists per game he averaged is certainly more than Nikola Vučević will average next season, the comparisons in their court-vision are not without merit. Not only did Vučević average a very respectable 3.8 assists per game from the center position last season, his numbers are will see a boost from having a full off-season to become ingratiated into Coach Billy Donovan’s system.

Throughout NBA history, the best teams have always had great ball movement. The Ney York Knicks of the 1970’s had great ball-movement under the tutelage of Red Holtzman. In 1986, the Boston Celtics, featuring Larry Bird, had a roster full of unselfish players that always made the extra pass. That team won the NBA championship with relative ease. The same can be said of the 1996 Chicago Bulls and the 2017 Golden State Warriors. The fact is giving up good shots in favor of great shots is a winning formula; the Bulls can adopt this philosophy next season.

With reliable perimeter players like Zach LaVine, Coby White and Ryan Arcidiacono at his disposal, Vučević’s ability to find the open man will be on full display next season. While he can certainly impact the game with his shooting, his passing skills will be yet another determining factor in helping him secure the Most Improved Player award.

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