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Two-Time NBA All-Star Gets Honest About Eventual NBA Retirement

This Chicago Bulls star admitted the end of his NBA career is not far away

Joey Linn

Feb 16, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Nikola Vucevic is introduced during NBA All-Star Game practice at the Bojangles Coliseum.
Feb 16, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Nikola Vucevic is introduced during NBA All-Star Game practice at the Bojangles Coliseum. / Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
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Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic has put together a very solid NBA career. A two-time NBA All-Star, Vucevic made his first All-Star game in 2019 with the Orlando Magic, and another in 2021 which was the season he was traded to Chicago.

During a recent interview with Meridian Sports (translated to English via HoopsHype), Vucevic got honest about his eventual retirement, admitting the end of his NBA career is not far away.

“I’m aware that I’ve been in the NBA for 13 years, and that the end isn’t far away,” Vucevic said. “I don’t believe I’ll play another 13 years, but I have two more years with Chicago, and after that, I’d like to play two more.”

Vucevic will turn 34 years old one day after Chicago’s season opener. In his conversation with Meridian Sports, Vucevic said he believes he can remain at a high level for four more seasons, and will reevaluate after that.

“I think I can continue at a high level for that long, and after that, we’ll see,” Vucevic said. “I’m not thinking much about it right now. I feel great, I’m enjoying the game, and my sons are becoming a bigger motivation—they’re older now and more aware of what I do, they come to practices and games. I want them to remember that I played and that I was involved in basketball at a high level.”

Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic
Apr 5, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) watches his three point basket go in against the New York Knicks during the first quarter at United Center. / David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

On how he wants to be remembered after retirement, Vucevic added, “I’d like people to remember me for who I was, for my achievements, and not for being past my prime. I want to be the one to say, ‘Thank you,’ when it’s time to go.”

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Joey Linn
JOEY LINN

Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA for Sports Illustrated's FanNation. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined Sports Illustrated's FanNation to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams during his time in school. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts, combined with his excellence in the classroom, earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time across multiple platforms, primarily serving as a credentialed Clippers beat writer.

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