Chicago Bulls big man Nikola Vučević focuses on imposing will inside

In the modern NBA, teams are looking for versatile big men who can do a little bit of everything. The Chicago Bulls have one such player in Nikola Vučević. The 6-foot-10 veteran is adept at banging down low or popping outside for the jumper. For the Bulls' upcoming campaign, though, the 31-year-old said he's focusing more on using his size to impose his will inside.

Back to basics

Vucevic's offensive bag goes deep. He has a crafty array of moves that lets him get by defenders on the perimeter, and his footwork is tight enough to create space for himself in the post. When he wants to, Vučević can take over a game on that end. It's part of what made him a two-time All-Star in the Association.

This year, the Montenegrin big man said he wants to return to his roots.

"I just try to play a little closer to the basket, be more involved within the offense where it's not just outside the three-point line," Vučević said.

"Just me trying to put more of an emphasis on me forcing my way to get to those spots a little more so it's easier for me to play and get going."

That USC connection still strong 👀@NBCSChicago | #BullsNation pic.twitter.com/PTWGN6PJJm
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 9, 2022

Vučević admitted that last season was not his best as he adjusted to playing with high-usage teammates and a new system. It came to a point where he often drifted too far from the hoop, which made it harder for him to impact the game on both ends. To make matters worse, Vučević shot just 31.4% from beyond the arc — a far cry from his 40.6% three-point-shooting clip three years ago.

Renewed focus

After playing a significant role in the team's 46-36 run through the regular season last season, Vučević said he's focusing more on providing an interior presence for the Bulls, which will open things up for their elite perimeter threats — All-Stars DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine.

"When I have an opportunity to get into the paint, whether it's through cutting, or if I roll, seal, things like that, for sure I try to exploit that," Vučević said.

"It's obviously my main strength playing close to the basket, back to the basket, is where I'm at my best. But also from the elbows and different areas where I can be effective, where my playmaking can come in and we do different things."

Vooch's footwork inside is ELITE!@NBCSChicago | @NikolaVucevic pic.twitter.com/YGCUIzaHY7
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 9, 2022

The Bulls are fresh off an impressive season in which they made the playoffs but got ousted in the first round. They'll be looking to take things one step further next year, and it looks like Vučević will play a big part in their quest to do so. It'll be interesting to see how he fares with a renewed focus on playing inside the paint.