Nikola Vucevic Grades & Analysis — C | Boston Celtics

Height

6'9"

Weight

260 lbs

Age

College

USC

Experience

14 yrs

Wingspan

7'4.5"

Reach

9'4.5"

Hand Size

9.25" × 10.25"

D-

CVI

D+

Sentiment

B-

Performance

—

Fan Verdict

Grade this player:

Career StatsB-

Year	Team	GP	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	FG%	3PT%	FT%
Career		1032	15.6	8.6	3.4	0.6	0.7	49.6%	35.1%	77.3%
2025-26		60	15.6	8.6	3.4

Recent Games

Date	OPP	Result	MIN	PTS	REB	AST	STL	BLK	FG	3PT	+/-
Fri, 4/10	vs NOP	W 144-118	19	14	4	5	0	1	5-7	3-5	+15

Current Contract

Length

1 year

Total Value

$21.5M

Guaranteed

$21.5M

AAV

$21.5M/yr

Guaranteed %100%

Contract Value Index (CVI)

D-

Below Value

OverpayFair ValueGreat Value

Nikola Vucevic's one-year, $21.5M AAV deal with the Celtics earns a D- CVI, representing poor value for a 35-year-old center in the twilight of his career. His current production of 15.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists across 60 games reflects solid but unspectacular numbers that don't justify elite center money for a longtime veteran in his 15th season. At $21.5M, Vucevic is being paid like a franchise cornerstone despite delivering B- level performance that's more aligned with a quality role player salary. The fractured ring finger requiring surgery creates additional concern about durability for a player already deep into the veteran phase of his career, making the hefty financial commitment even more questionable. While the short-term nature of the deal limits long-term damage, Boston is essentially paying premium dollars for a injury-prone aging center whose best years are clearly behind him. The recent signings of multiple 10-day contract players and roster additions suggest the Celtics are actively evaluating depth options, highlighting how Vucevic's absence has exposed their lack of reliable interior presence at this price point.

Performance Analysis

B-

#32 of 97 Centers

FCA+

Nikola Vucevic earns a B- Performance grade this season — a quality starter-level center putting up solid numbers for the Boston Celtics. This season, Nikola is putting up 15.6 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 3.4 assists per game across 1032 games. Nikola's strongest area is RPG at 8.6, which compares favorably to the center median of 5.0. The biggest area for growth is APG at 3.4 (center median: 4.0). Among 97 NBA centers graded this season, Nikola ranks 32nd. Nikola is a reliable contributor who the Boston Celtics can count on game to game.