Why Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic can win MIP: He’s an elite rebounder
When asked about the best rebounders in the NBA, fans will undoubtedly think of players like DeAndre Jordan of the Brooklyn Nets, Andre Drummond of the Los Angeles Lakers and Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz. However, unbeknownst to some, Nikola Vučević has earned his place in this conversation.
Not only is he a big body who does not shy away from contact, he also has a nose for going after the ball. Last season, he averaged 11.7 rebounds per game. While those are great numbers, he rebounding prowess becomes even more impressive when taking a broader look at his career. Over ten seasons, he’s only failed to averaged at least 10.0 rebounds per game three times. Vučević has proven that his team can depend on him for double digit rebounds on a nightly basis; the value of that cannot be overstated.
In the last twenty years, only four traditional big men have been awarded the NBA Most Improved Player award. Their names are Jermaine O’Neal, Zach Randolph, Kevin Love and Julius Randle. While these four players all brought versatility to the hardwood, they never abandoned their duties as interior players who could dominate the glass. A common bond they share in their award-winning seasons is that they each averaged double-digit rebounds during those campaigns. The fact is, for a big man to be dominant he must be an elite rebounder. Nikola Vučević fits this description and his team will reap the benefits of his relentless pursuit of the ball next season.