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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Nikola Vucevic is now a Chicago Bull. The two-time NBA All-Star went to Chicago on the NBA trade deadline. After several years of being the best player in Orlando, he went to Chicago to help revive a franchise that has been flailing. Not since the days of Derrick Rose has there been a lot of hype in Chicago after the retirement of Michael Jordan. And Vucevic revealed how big of a fan he is of ‘His Airness’.

Nikola Vucevic on his connection to MJ

Nikola Vucevic gave an interview as a Chicago Bull for the first time. When asked about playing for such a historic franchise, Vucevic harkened back to his childhood. Growing up, Vucevic was a huge fan of Michael Jordan. He noted how fitting it was that he was now a Chicago Bulls player. Vucevic was obsessed with Michael Jordan growing up and wants to play well for the team Jordan made famous.

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via Imago

READ MORE: ‘It’s Been Rewarding’: Nikola Vucevic Speaks about his NBA Legacy with the Orlando Magic

“Growing up, I think like many people, I was a big Bulls fan because of Jordan and the success the Bulls had at the time. I was just obsessed with Jordan and Jordan gear and everything that came with it. I was lucky that my dad (Borislav Vučević), he played professionally, so he had access to a lot of the stuff.

“Actually, as soon as I got traded, my family reached out to me and we talked about the picture… I guess it was meant to be in a way.”

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Vucevic – a breath of fresh air in Chicago

Vucevic enters the Chicago Bulls as a reigning All-Star. He earned his second nomination this season, after being one of the brightest shining stars in the Orlando Magic. Despite the franchise being in dire straits for the past few years, Vucevic has consistently played at a very high level in order to try and elevate his franchise. And now he gets to be on a potential playoff team this season.

USA Today via Reuters

READ MORE: Aaron Gordon, Rajon Rondo & More: Top 10 Trades of the NBA Deadline

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Can Nikola Vucevic help lead the Bulls to the playoffs? He and Zach LaVine form one of the best duos in the Eastern Conference. However, Vucevic is not one of the defensively astute centers in the NBA. Yet, he is elite on the attacking end of the court. The Bulls will have to work hard in order to compensate for his weaknesses.