2025-26 Season
NIKOLA VUČEVIĆ
2025-26 Season
NIKOLA VUČEVIĆ
Vučević produces at an elite rate for a 28-minute workload.
Vučević produces at an elite rate for a 28-minute workload.
PBP Credit: Every play is analyzed from play-by-play data. Scorers get difficulty-adjusted credit, assisters get creation value based on the shot opportunity they created, and turnovers are classified by type. Shot difficulty is derived from 1M+ shots across 4 seasons. Full methodology
TEAM COMPARISON
of 14 teammates (10+ games, 10+ min)
Similar Players
Same position, closest production profile this season.
SKILL DNA
Percentile rank vs 93 Centers with 10+ games
THE SEASON SO FAR
Nikola Vučević opened the 2025-26 season riding a chaotic pendulum, swinging wildly between dominant offensive hub and inefficient perimeter chucker. He set a massive baseline right out of the gate on 10/22 vs DET, pouring in 28 points and grabbing 14 rebounds on highly efficient shooting to generate a staggering +37.8 Impact score. Even when his scoring volume dropped, he could still dictate the game flow through relentless glass-cleaning and sharp passing. On 10/30 vs SAC, he managed just 13 points but still posted a +19.7 Impact score by ripping down 14 boards and dishing out seven assists to keep the offense humming. However, the veteran center's value plummeted on nights when he fell in love with his outside jumper and ignored the paint. During a brutal performance on 11/18 vs DEN, Vučević clanked his way to 8 points on a dismal 3-for-13 from the floor, resulting in a -7.5 Impact score as his poor shot selection from deep actively harmed the offense. When he battles inside, he is a weapon. When he floats, he is a liability.
A relentless rebounding engine and surprisingly sharp playmaking defined Nikola Vučević's midseason stretch, allowing him to dictate games even when his jumper betrayed him. He absolutely bullied the interior on 12/20 vs CLE, racking up 24 points and 15 rebounds to post a massive +30.5 Impact score fueled by sheer physical dominance and highly efficient shooting. Even when his scoring volume completely evaporated, like his quiet seven-point outing on 12/27 vs PHI, he still managed a +3.7 Impact by battling on the glass and anchoring the defensive shell. When his touch returned, he was lethal. He carved up the defense on 01/15 vs UTA, pouring in 35 points on 14-of-22 shooting to generate a +30.2 Impact score through pure offensive firepower. However, his overall value plummeted on nights when he forced bad looks. During the 01/14 vs HOU matchup, a brutal 7-for-19 shooting night dragged his Impact down to a meager +1.6, exposing the steep cost of his wasted offensive possessions.
Nikola Vučević’s midseason stretch was defined by a stark demotion to the second unit and wildly erratic efficiency. Thriving initially in his new reserve role, he completely dismantled the opposition on 02/27 vs BKN. He poured in 28 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in just 25 minutes, earning a massive +34.1 Impact by pairing flawless 3-for-3 perimeter shooting with relentless interior finishing. Even when his scoring volume plummeted, the veteran big man occasionally found ways to anchor the bench. During his first game off the pine on 02/06 vs MIA, he managed only 11 points but secured 12 boards and dished four assists, generating a +16.5 Impact through crucial second-chance hustle plays and crisp offensive facilitation. Relying on him every night remained a serious gamble, however. His shot selection completely unraveled on 04/07 vs CHA. He bricked all five of his three-point attempts and shot a dismal 1-for-10 overall, dragging down the offense to the tune of a -8.1 Impact.
IMPACT TIMELINE
Game-by-game performance vs average. Green = above average, red = below.
Volatile for his role. Vučević has noticeable ups and downs, with scoring moving ~7 points between games.
Middle-of-the-road efficiency — shoots 45%+ from the field in 53% of games. Not automatic, but not a problem either.
Defensive difference-maker. Vučević consistently forces tough shots and protects the rim — opponents shoot worse when he's guarding them.
Performance has dropped off. First-half impact: +10.5, second-half: +6.1. Worth watching whether it's fatigue, injury, or opponents adjusting.
Tends to go on runs. Longest hot streak: 20 games. Longest cold streak: 3 games.
MATCHUP HISTORY ⚠ Updated 46 days ago
Based on 59 games with tracking data. Shows who guarded this player on offense and who he guarded on defense, with their shooting stats in those matchups.
ON OFFENSE: WHO GUARDED HIM
His shooting stats against each primary defender this season
ON DEFENSE: WHO HE GUARDED
How opponents shot when he was the primary defender. Lower FG% = better defense.
SEASON STATS
GAME LOG
70 games played
