Nikola Vučević's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Nikola Vučević.

Nikola Vučević is a Montenegrin professional basketball player currently playing for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. He was drafted 16th overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2011 NBA draft following his college basketball career with the USC Trojans. Vučević is known for his scoring, rebounding, and shooting ability, making him a valuable asset to his team.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1985: Second Center with 30-point Triple-Double

In February 2021, Vučević logged his third career triple-double with 30 points, 16 rebounds and 10 assists, becoming the second center along with Nikola Jokić since 1985 to score a 30-point triple-double with zero turnovers.

1996: First Bulls player since Michael Jordan with stat line

On February 4, 2022, Vučević became the first Bulls player since Michael Jordan in 1996 to log at least 35 points, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks in a game.

2007: Named Montenegro's Best Young Player

In 2007, Nikola Vučević was named Montenegro's Best Young Player.

2009: Pac-10 Honors

In 2009, Vučević was named the 2009–10 Pac-10 Most Improved Player, earned all-Pac-10 second team and Pac-10 honorable-mention all-defensive team honors.

December 2012: Franchise record with 29 rebounds

On December 31, 2012, in an overtime loss to the Miami Heat, Vučević set an Orlando Magic franchise record with 29 rebounds.

2012: Playoff Berth and All-Star drought

In 2012, Vučević helped the Magic clinch their first playoff berth. Also, in 2019 he became the Magic's first All-Star since Howard in 2012.

2012: First Magic Player to win Eastern Player of the week

Nikola Vucevic became the first Magic player to win the Eastern Player of the Week honors since Dwight Howard in 2012.

March 2014: Dominated against Charlotte Bobcats

On March 28, 2014, Vučević overcame a slow start to finish the game with 24 points and 23 rebounds in an overtime victory against the Charlotte Bobcats. On March 31, 2014, Vučević earned his first Eastern Conference Player of the Week honor.

2014: Eastern Conference Player of the Week

In 2014, Vučević captured the Eastern Conference Player of the Week award for the first time in his NBA career, marking the first time a Magic player had won the award since then.

March 2015: Magic Player Scoring Streak

In March 2015, during a stretch of strong play, Vučević became the first Magic player to score 30 points in back-to-back games since Victor Oladipo.

November 2015: Returned from Injury to Beat the Lakers

On November 11, 2015, Vučević returned to action after a three-game absence with a right knee contusion, scoring 18 points, including a fallaway 18-footer at the buzzer to lift the Magic over the Los Angeles Lakers 101–99.

February 2016: Buzzer Beater Against Hawks

On February 7, 2016, Vučević scored 22 points and hit an 18-footer at the buzzer to lead the Magic over the Atlanta Hawks 96–94.

April 2017: Moved ahead of Shaquille O'Neal

On April 10, 2017, Nikola Vučević grabbed 10 rebounds against Chicago to move ahead of Shaquille O'Neal into second place in franchise history, trailing only Dwight Howard.

December 2017: First Career Triple-Double

On December 9, 2017, Vučević recorded his first career triple-double with 31 points, 13 rebounds, and 10 assists in a loss to the Atlanta Hawks.

2017: First Bulls Player with Triple-Double Since Jimmy Butler

In May 2021, Vučević posted his second triple-double of the season and the fourth of his career with 18 points, 14 rebounds and 10 assists, 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 recorded his second career triple-double with 27 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists in a 116–115 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers.

January 2019: All-Star Selection

In January 2019, Vučević had 16 points and 24 rebounds in a 106–96 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers. On January 31, he 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.

2020: Averaging Stats with Magic

In the 2020–21 season, prior to being traded in March 2021, Vučević played and started in all 44 games for the Magic, averaging 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 3.8 assists, while shooting 40.6% from three-point range and 82.7% from the free throw line, leading to being the fourth leading rebounder in the league.

February 2021: Career-High 43 Points and All-Star Selection

In February 2021, Nikola Vučević had two major achievements: On February 5, he scored a career-high 43 points, grabbed a season-high 19 rebounds, and dished out 4 assists in a 123–119 win over the Chicago Bulls. On February 23, Vučević was named an Eastern Conference reserve for the 2021 NBA All-Star Game.

February 2022: 36 points, 17 rebounds, four assists and three blocks

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.

January 6, 2023: Fifth Career Triple-Double

On January 6, 2023, Vučević had his fifth career triple-double with 19 points, 18 rebounds and 10 assists in a 126–112 win over the Philadelphia 76ers.

March 7, 2024: Season-High 33 Points Against Warriors

On March 7, 2024, Vučević scored a season-high 33 points, along with 11 rebounds and 5 assists in a 125–122 win over the Golden State Warriors.

January 17, 2025: Season-High 40 Points Against Hornets

On January 17, 2025, Vučević scored a season-high 40 points (17 in the fourth quarter) and grabbed 13 rebounds in a 125–123 loss against the Charlotte Hornets.