Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Nikola Vučević

How Nikola Vučević built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Nikola Vučević is a Montenegrin professional basketball player currently playing for the Boston Celtics in the NBA. Before his professional career, Vučević played college basketball for the USC Trojans. He was selected as the 16th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He is known for his scoring, rebounding, and all-around offensive skills.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1996: First Bulls player since Michael Jordan to log 35 points, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks in a game

On February 4, 2022, Vučević finished with 36 points, 17 rebounds, four assists and three blocks in a 122–115 win over the Indiana Pacers, becoming the first Bulls player since Michael Jordan in 1996 to log 35 points, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks in a game.

1996: Best Start Since 1996-97 Season

On November 2, 2025, Vučević scored 26 points as the Bulls defeated the New York Knicks improving to 5-0 for their best start since the 1996-97 season.

March 2011: Announced NBA draft entry

In March 2011, Nikola Vučević announced that he would give up his senior year to enter the NBA draft.

June 2011: Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers

On 23 June 2011, Nikola Vučević was drafted with the 16th overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.

December 2011: Signed with the 76ers

On 9 December 2011, Nikola Vučević signed his rookie scale contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.

2011: Drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers

In 2011, Nikola Vučević was drafted 16th overall in the NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.

2011: FIBA EuroBasket 2011

In 2011, Vučević represented Montenegro at the FIBA EuroBasket, averaging 5.0 points per game and 3.2 rebounds per game.

August 2012: Traded to the Orlando Magic

On 10 August 2012, Nikola Vučević was traded to the Orlando Magic.

2012: Playoff Berth

Vučević helped the Magic go 22–9 over the final 31 games of the season to clinch their first playoff berth since 2012.

2013: FIBA EuroBasket 2013

In 2013, Vučević represented Montenegro at the FIBA EuroBasket, averaging 7.0 points per game and 4.0 rebounds per game.

October 2014: Signed contract extension with the Magic

On 23 October 2014, Nikola Vučević signed a four-year, $53 million contract extension with the Orlando Magic.

2014: Eastern Conference Player of the Week

In 2014, Nikola Vučević won the Eastern Conference Player of the Week award for the first time in his NBA career. It was the first time a Magic player has won the award since 2014.

2017: FIBA EuroBasket 2017

In 2017, Vučević represented Montenegro at the FIBA EuroBasket.

2017: First Bulls player to log a triple-double since 2017

On May 7, 2021, Vučević posted his second triple-double of the season and the fourth of his career, becoming the first Bulls player to log a triple-double since Jimmy Butler in 2017.

October 2018: Second Career Triple-Double

On October 2018, Nikola Vučević achieved his second career triple-double with 27 points, 13 rebounds, and 12 assists in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

January 2019: First All-Star Selection

On January 31, 2019, Vučević received his first All-Star selection in his eight-year career, earning Eastern Conference reserve honors for the 2019 NBA All-Star Game, becoming the Magic's first All-Star since Howard in 2012.

July 2019: Signed contract with the Magic

On July 6, 2019, Vučević signed a four-year, $100 million contract to remain with the Magic as an unrestricted free agent.

2019: 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup

In 2019, Vučević represented Montenegro at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, averaging 14.6 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.

2020: Traded to the Chicago Bulls

In 2020, Nikola Vučević was traded by the Orlando Magic to the Chicago Bulls.

2020: Season Averages with the Magic

In the 2020-21 season, before being traded in March 2021, Vučević played in 44 games for the Magic, averaging 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists.

February 2021: Career-High 43 Points

On February 5, 2021, Vučević scored a career-high 43 points, grabbed a season-high 19 rebounds and dished out 4 assists in a win over the Chicago Bulls. On February 23, 2021, Vučević was named an Eastern Conference reserve for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game.

March 2021: Traded to the Chicago Bulls

On March 25, 2021, Vučević was traded by the Orlando Magic to the Chicago Bulls. He debuted for the Bulls on March 27, 2021, in a loss to the San Antonio Spurs, scoring 21 points.

December 2021: Elected to KK Crvena zvezda Assembly

On December 27, 2021, Nikola Vučević was elected as a member of the Assembly for KK Crvena zvezda for a five-year term.

February 2022: 36 Points and 17 Rebounds

On February 4, 2022, Vučević finished with 36 points and 17 rebounds in a win over the Indiana Pacers. On February 14, 2022, Vučević scored 25 points in a win against the San Antonio Spurs.

October 2022: 23 Rebounds Against Celtics

On October 24, 2022, Vučević scored 18 points and grabbed 23 rebounds in a win against the Boston Celtics. On October 29, 2022, Vučević logged a double-double with 23 points and 19 rebounds in a loss against the Philadelphia 76ers.

January 6, 2023: Fifth Career Triple-Double

On January 6, 2023, Vučević recorded his fifth career triple-double with 19 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists in a win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

June 28, 2023: Signed Contract Extension with Bulls

On June 28, 2023, Vučević signed a three-year, $60 million contract extension with the Bulls.

2023: 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup

In 2023, Vučević represented Montenegro at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, averaging 19.8 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists.

March 7, 2024: Season-High 33 Points

On March 7, 2024, Vučević scored a season-high 33 points in a win over the Golden State Warriors.

January 17, 2025: Season-High 40 Points

On January 17, 2025, Vučević scored a season-high 40 points and grabbed 13 rebounds in a loss against the Charlotte Hornets.

October 22, 2025: Season Debut

On October 22, 2025, Vučević recorded 28 points and 14 rebounds in the Chicago Bulls’ win over the Detroit Pistons.

2025: Retirement from International Basketball

In 2025, Nikola Vučević retired from international basketball after EuroBasket 2025. He led Montenegro in points, rebounds, and blocks, averaging 20.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game. However, Montenegro failed to advance, and Vučević cited the need for a new generation to emerge.