Nikola Vucevic acknowledges the urgency to win for the Bulls as the season's trade deadline draws near

With the Chicago Bulls stuck at the center of league intrigue this season, Nikola Vucevic understands the urgency that he and his teammates have to follow to collect as many wins as possible.

The Bulls' current position necessitates significant improvement, and the season clock is ticking. For Vooch, it's now or never for them to move.

‘‘That’s true; that’s why there’s not a whole lot of time,’’ Vucevic said. ‘‘We’ve got to start doing this. The last few weeks, yes, it feels like we’re back on track for something positive, but it has to continue. We know we have possibly a limited time, but we’re aware of it. Maybe that awareness is what’s been changing things, too.’’

Keep pushing

After starting with a hellish 5-14 record, the Bulls have played much better in the last few weeks. In what could be more of an added burden with Zach LaVine out due to foot soreness, the Bulls suddenly found refreshing ways to win - implementing a quicker pace and more ball movement emphasis. From there, they managed to carve a 5-3 score - including a four-game win stretch - even in the critical absence of the All-Star.

Watch this ball movement.@NBCSChicago | @DeMar_DeRozan pic.twitter.com/7jYXgCvDhk
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 12, 2023

But as much as their slow improvement is truly worth celebrating, Chicago has to seize a needed reality check with their current situation. No one fully understands what would unfold for the entire team before the league's trade deadline on Feb. 8.

With 25 games left before the said critical date, the Bulls have to continue their mission of making positive progress and climb their way back to contention.

The job is not done yet

With the Bulls still sitting at the shaky 12th spot of the East and having already reached the first half of their season, Vooch remains committed to his role in helping the franchise flip its season.

They might have found that temporary relief after rough beginnings, but the star big man notes that the job isn't done yet.

“We’ve won five of our last eight, but we’re still far behind where we want to be. There’s a lot of work to do,” he said.

‘‘That’s a positive step, at least. The one thing about this group is we don’t give up. We’re always looking for ways to try and turn things around, and hopefully we stick on this track and keep working toward that.’’

Keep pushing

The job is not done yet

Nikola Vucevic shares his regret over missing the last shot attempt: "It didn't end up being a great shot"