Nikola Vucevic has officially announced his retirement from international basketball following EuroBasket 2025, concluding a distinguished run with the Montenegro national team, although he will continue playing professionally in the NBA for the Chicago Bulls through at least the 2025-26 season.
International Retirement vs. NBA Continuation
The 33-year-old center has made it clear that his retirement applies solely to his international career. Vucevic still has one year left on his $21.5 million NBA contract and fully intends to honor it. His decision marks a shift in focus toward continuing his contributions at the club level while stepping away from international duty.
Performance at EuroBasket 2025
Vucevic made his final appearance for Montenegro at EuroBasket 2025, where he capped off his international career with an exceptional showing:
- 20.8 points per game
- 11.6 rebounds per game
- 4.4 assists per game
These numbers exemplify his excellence on the international stage, contributing significantly to Montenegro’s overall performance in the tournament.
Notable Career Milestones
Beyond international play, Vucevic achieved numerous personal and professional milestones during the 2024-25 NBA season:
- Surpassed 10,000 career rebounds
- Shot 40% from three-point range—a career high
These achievements further solidify his reputation as a versatile and reliable big man in the NBA.
International Legacy
Vucevic’s impact on Montenegro basketball spans numerous tournaments, including:
- 39 FIBA appearances
- Participation in five EuroBasket tournaments
- Two FIBA Basketball World Cups
- Led Montenegro to 11th place at the 2023 World Cup
He leaves behind a legacy as one of Montenegro’s most accomplished international players.
NBA Outlook
Despite stepping away from the national team, Vucevic will remain a key part of the Chicago Bulls roster. A two-time NBA All-Star (2019 and 2021), he is signed through the 2025-26 season and continues to be a veteran leader among his peers.
Vucevic Retires from International Basketball, Not NBA Career
Nikola Vucevic has announced his retirement from international basketball with the Montenegro national team following EuroBasket 2025, but the veteran center isn’t hanging up his NBA jersey just yet. Contrary to some reports circulating about his professional basketball career, Vucevic plans to continue playing in the NBA at least through the 2025-26 season.
The Chicago Bulls center still has one year remaining on his current contract, which carries a value of $21.5 million. Vucevic continues to serve as a starter for the Bulls, providing veteran leadership and consistent production in the frontcourt. His NBA future beyond this contract remains uncertain, with trade rumors swirling and the possibility of him becoming a free agent in 2026.
Emotional Farewell to International Competition
In an emotional statement regarding his international retirement, Vucevic expressed his feelings about stepping away from representing Montenegro. “It sucks for me to finish this way … now it’s time for the next generation to leave their mark,” he said. This decision marks the end of a significant chapter in his basketball career, though it doesn’t signal the conclusion of his professional playing days.
The distinction between international and NBA retirement is crucial for basketball fans to understand. Many players choose to step away from international competition while continuing their professional careers, often citing the physical demands of year-round basketball or a desire to focus solely on their NBA responsibilities. This approach allows veterans to extend their professional careers while reducing overall wear and tear on their bodies.
Vucevic’s situation mirrors other NBA veterans who have made similar decisions in recent years. Players like Carmelo Anthony and Otto Porter Jr. have navigated their own retirement decisions at different stages of their careers.
Bulls fans can expect to see Vucevic continue contributing to the team’s efforts during the remainder of his contract. His experience and skill set remain valuable assets for Chicago, even as the organization evaluates long-term roster construction. The center’s future beyond 2026 will likely depend on his performance, health, and the Bulls’ strategic direction moving forward.
Final International Performance Shows Veteran Excellence
Vucevic’s farewell to international basketball showcased exactly why he’s been such a valuable player throughout his career. During EuroBasket 2025, the veteran center proved that age hadn’t diminished his skills, putting up impressive numbers that reminded everyone of his consistent excellence on the court.
Tournament Statistics Reflect Lasting Impact
The numbers from EuroBasket 2025 tell the story of a player who refused to go quietly into retirement. Vucevic averaged 20.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game throughout the tournament, demonstrating the well-rounded game that made him such a reliable NBA contributor for over a decade. His scoring average ranked 8th among all players, while his rebounding prowess placed him 2nd in that category. Additionally, his assist numbers positioned him among the tournament leaders, highlighting his improved playmaking abilities that developed later in his career.
These statistics become even more impressive when considering the level of competition at EuroBasket. Many current NBA stars and rising international talents participated in the tournament, yet Vucevic held his own against players significantly younger than himself. His ability to contribute across multiple statistical categories proved that his basketball IQ and fundamental skills remained sharp despite approaching the end of his professional career.
Memorable Final Game Performance
Vucevic saved his best for what would become his final international appearance. In Montenegro’s last game of the tournament, he delivered a masterful performance with 31 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists. This stat line perfectly encapsulated everything that made him special as a player: the scoring touch that kept defenses honest, the rebounding instincts that controlled the glass, and the passing vision that created opportunities for teammates.
Unfortunately for Vucevic and Montenegro, individual brilliance couldn’t overcome team limitations. Despite his outstanding effort, the team failed to advance further in the tournament, bringing an end to his international career on a bittersweet note. The loss stung particularly because Vucevic had given everything he had left, leaving fans wondering what might have been if he’d had more help around him.
This final international performance serves as a fitting capstone to a career that consistently featured steady production and professional excellence. While other players have captured more headlines with flashier styles or bigger personalities, Vucevic’s approach always centered on fundamental basketball and team-first mentality. Just as we’ve seen with other recent retirements like Carmelo Anthony’s official retirement and Otto Porter Jr.’s early retirement, losing veteran players of Vucevic’s caliber removes valuable leadership and experience from professional basketball.
Extensive International Legacy with Montenegro
Nikola Vucevic’s impact extends far beyond the NBA courts, as he built an extraordinary international career representing Montenegro across multiple major tournaments. Throughout his tenure with the national team, he appeared in 39 FIBA games and demonstrated unwavering commitment to elevating Montenegrin basketball on the global stage.
The veteran center’s international resume includes participation in five EuroBasket tournaments and two FIBA World Cup competitions, showcasing his durability and consistent excellence over more than a decade. His leadership qualities became evident early in his international career, eventually earning him the captain’s armband and the responsibility of guiding a young basketball nation through its most important competitions.
Defining Moments and Career Highlights
Vucevic’s crowning achievement with Montenegro came at the 2023 FIBA World Cup, where he led his team to an impressive 11th place finish. This performance represented the highest-ever placement for Montenegro in a major international tournament, cementing his status as the cornerstone of the program. His veteran presence and basketball IQ proved invaluable in pressure situations, often serving as the stabilizing force when games hung in the balance.
The big man’s consistent performance throughout his international career mirrors the dedication he’s shown throughout his professional journey. Just as other NBA veterans like Carmelo Anthony have officially retired after distinguished careers, Vucevic leaves behind a legacy that transcends individual statistics. His ability to perform at the highest level while representing his country demonstrates the same commitment that led Otto Porter Jr. to retire at 30 after maximizing his potential.
Beyond the numbers and tournament results, Vucevic became synonymous with Montenegrin basketball excellence. His leadership style combined vocal encouragement with leading by example, traits that helped develop younger players and establish a winning culture within the national team program. The respect he commanded from teammates and opponents alike reflected his professional approach and basketball intelligence.
Montenegro’s basketball federation and fans consider Vucevic a transformative figure who helped put their country on the international basketball map. His presence attracted attention to Montenegrin basketball and inspired a new generation of players to pursue the sport seriously. The foundation he helped build will continue to benefit Montenegro’s basketball program for years to come.
His international career also provided him with unique experiences and challenges that complemented his NBA journey. Playing for Montenegro required different skills and adjustments compared to his NBA role, including adapting to FIBA rules and shorter shot clocks while maintaining his effectiveness as a primary offensive weapon.
The veteran center’s commitment to representing Montenegro never wavered, even as his NBA responsibilities and age presented scheduling challenges. This dedication exemplifies the character that made him such a respected figure throughout his professional career. His willingness to compete for his country during summer breaks demonstrated genuine patriotism and love for the game.
Vucevic’s international legacy extends beyond wins and losses to include his role as an ambassador for Montenegro basketball. His professional demeanor and skilled play helped change perceptions about smaller basketball nations and their ability to compete with traditional powers. The respect he earned from international basketball communities reflects his impact on the global game.
As Montenegro looks forward to future competitions, they’ll undoubtedly miss Vucevic’s presence and leadership. However, the standards he established and the culture he helped create will serve as lasting contributions to the program. His international career stands as a testament to what dedication, skill, and leadership can accomplish on basketball’s biggest stages.
The combination of his NBA success and international achievements creates a unique legacy that few players can match. Vucevic’s ability to excel at both levels while maintaining his commitment to Montenegro throughout his career demonstrates the character and basketball intelligence that defined his playing days.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ACMmqodqQYc
Current NBA Season Performance and Career Milestones
Vucevic has delivered remarkable consistency throughout the 2024-25 NBA season, appearing in 73 games while maintaining elite production levels. His averages of 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per contest demonstrate the veteran center’s continued effectiveness at the highest level. The efficiency metrics tell an even more impressive story, as he shot 53% from the field and connected on an outstanding 40% of his three-point attempts.
The season marked several significant achievements that underscore Vucevic’s sustained excellence over his career. He crossed the 10,000 career rebounds threshold, joining an exclusive club of only 44 players in NBA history to reach this milestone. This accomplishment places him among the league’s most productive big men and highlights his durability and consistency over more than a decade in professional basketball.
Standout Individual Performances
Recent performances have showcased Vucevic’s ability to dominate games at this stage of his career. He tied his career high with an explosive 43-point outing that reminded fans why he’s been such a reliable offensive force. Multiple games featured his signature double-double production, with several contests where he posted over 20 points and 15 rebounds, proving his two-way impact remains substantial.
The most memorable individual performance came in January 2023 when Vucevic recorded a triple-double with 19 points, 18 rebounds, and 10 assists. This rare achievement for a center demonstrated his complete skill set and basketball IQ. His ability to facilitate for teammates while dominating the paint shows why he’s remained valuable throughout various roster changes and system adjustments.
Similar to other veteran stars who have recently stepped away, including Carmelo Anthony’s retirement, Vucevic’s decision comes after establishing a lasting legacy. His shooting range has evolved dramatically since entering the league, transforming from a traditional post player into a modern stretch-five who can space the floor effectively. The 40% three-point shooting this season represents the culmination of years spent expanding his offensive repertoire.
Vucevic’s rebounding prowess has been a constant throughout his career, and reaching 10,000 career boards places him in rarified air. This milestone reflects not just individual talent but also longevity and dedication to one of basketball’s most fundamental skills. His ability to secure possessions on both ends has been crucial for every team he’s represented.
The assist numbers this season highlight another dimension of his game that often goes unnoticed. Averaging 3.5 assists per game shows his willingness to make the extra pass and create opportunities for teammates. Centers who can effectively distribute from the post or high post become invaluable assets, and Vucevic has mastered this aspect of his position.
His field goal percentage of 53% demonstrates excellent shot selection and finishing ability around the rim. This efficiency, combined with his three-point accuracy, makes him one of the more complete offensive centers in recent memory. Teams have consistently struggled to defend his combination of size, skill, and range throughout his career.
The timing of retirement announcements has become a trend among veteran players who want to control their narrative. Like Otto Porter Jr.’s early retirement, Vucevic’s decision allows him to step away while still performing at a high level. This season’s production proves he could continue playing effectively, making his retirement choice purely personal rather than performance-based.
His career trajectory from Orlando through Chicago has been marked by consistent production and professional growth. The statistical achievements this season serve as a fitting capstone to a career defined by reliability, improvement, and adaptation to the modern game’s demands.
NBA Career Journey and All-Star Recognition
Nikola Vucevic’s professional basketball journey began when the Philadelphia 76ers selected him with the 16th overall pick in the first round of the 2011 NBA Draft. His entry into the league marked the start of what would become a distinguished career spanning over a decade across three different franchises.
Team Transitions and Development
Vucevic’s NBA path took him through several key organizations that shaped his development as a player. After starting with the 76ers, he moved to the Orlando Magic, where he truly established himself as a force in the paint. His tenure with the Magic proved transformative, allowing him to develop into one of the league’s most reliable big men. Later in his career, he joined the Chicago Bulls, bringing veteran leadership and consistent production to their frontcourt rotation.
Each stop in Vucevic’s career contributed to his evolution as a player. The transitions between teams provided him with different coaching philosophies, playing styles, and opportunities to expand his skill set. His adaptability across these organizations demonstrated the versatility that made him valuable throughout his career.
All-Star Recognition and Peak Performance
The pinnacle of Vucevic’s individual recognition came during two standout seasons when he earned NBA All-Star honors. His first selection occurred during the 2018-19 season, acknowledging his exceptional performance and impact on the court. Three seasons later, during the 2020-21 campaign, he received his second All-Star nod, cementing his status among the league’s elite centers.
These All-Star selections reflected more than just individual statistics. They represented recognition from coaches, players, and fans for his consistent high-level performance and significant contributions to his teams’ success. The achievements highlighted his ability to compete at the highest level while maintaining the production and reliability that defined his playing style.
Vucevic’s All-Star seasons showcased the complete package of skills that made him effective throughout his career. His combination of scoring ability, rebounding prowess, and basketball IQ enabled him to impact games in multiple ways. The recognition placed him in elite company among NBA centers and validated years of steady improvement and dedication to his craft.
As other veteran players have stepped away from the game in recent years, Vucevic’s career trajectory stands as an example of sustained excellence. His journey from draft pick to two-time All-Star illustrates the dedication required to maintain relevance in an increasingly competitive league. Similar to how other players have concluded their careers while still performing at a high level, Vucevic’s decision to retire represents a thoughtful conclusion to a successful professional basketball career.
Standing Among Elite European NBA Players
Nikola Vucevic has firmly established himself among the most accomplished European players to grace NBA courts over the past decade. His combination of NBA success and international achievements places him in rare company alongside other European legends who’ve made their mark on basketball’s biggest stage.
The Modern Stretch Big Excellence
Vucevic’s evolution into a versatile “stretch big” exemplifies how European centers have revolutionized the position in today’s NBA. His ability to score effectively both in the paint and from three-point range has made him a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses throughout his career. During his most recent NBA season, he demonstrated this dual-threat capability by shooting an impressive 40% from beyond the arc while maintaining his interior presence.
This versatility separates Vucevic from traditional centers and aligns him with the new breed of European big men who’ve transformed basketball. His shooting range forces defenders to respect his perimeter game, creating spacing that benefits his teammates and opens driving lanes. Meanwhile, his post-up skills and rebounding prowess ensure he remains effective in traditional center roles when needed.
Durability and Leadership Legacy
Professional longevity has become another hallmark of Vucevic’s career, consistently appearing in over 70 games per season in recent years. This durability has been crucial for teams relying on his production and leadership, particularly as he’s transitioned into a veteran role. His ability to stay healthy and productive has allowed him to serve as a stabilizing force for younger players and developing rosters.
Beyond his on-court contributions, Vucevic’s veteran presence has become increasingly valuable as his career has progressed. He’s developed into a respected locker room leader who serves as a role model for both his international peers and American teammates. His professional approach to the game and willingness to mentor younger players has enhanced his reputation throughout the league.
The impact of players like Vucevic extends beyond individual statistics or accolades. His success has helped pave the way for future European centers and demonstrated that international players can adapt and thrive in the NBA’s demanding environment. Much like how other NBA veterans have chosen to step away from the game, including recent decisions by players such as Carmelo Anthony and Otto Porter Jr., Vucevic’s eventual retirement will mark the end of an era for European basketball representation in the league.
His combination of individual excellence, team contributions, and international success has solidified his position among Europe’s finest NBA exports. From his early days as a developing prospect to his emergence as an All-Star caliber player, Vucevic has consistently demonstrated the basketball IQ and adaptability that characterizes the best European players in the league.
The Montenegro native’s career trajectory reflects the broader success of European players in modern basketball. His ability to blend traditional big man skills with contemporary three-point shooting has created a template that many young European centers now follow. This evolution has not only benefited his own career but has also influenced how teams scout and develop international talent.
Vucevic’s standing among elite European NBA players isn’t just about individual achievements—it’s about his lasting impact on how the center position is played and his role in continuing Europe’s strong basketball tradition in the NBA. His career has bridged the gap between old-school post play and modern perimeter-oriented basketball, making him a true pioneer in the position’s evolution.
Sources:
Sports Illustrated, “Bulls Star Makes Big Decision Before Crucial NBA Season”
Wikipedia, “Nikola Vučević”
Times of India, “‘It hurts to end my international career’: Nikola Vučević announces retirement from Montenegrin national team”
Sports Forecaster, “Nikola Vucevic Stats, Profile, Bio”
Essentially Sports, “Long Time Warriors Target Nikola Vucevic Announces Retirement After EuroBasket Exit”
ESPN, “Nikola Vucevic Career Stats”
Sports Illustrated (Bulls), “Bulls Star Announces Retirement From International Basketball”
