As the Golden State Warriors prepare for the upcoming NBA season, the departure of Kevon Looney marks the end of an era. Looney, a cornerstone of the team’s frontcourt for nearly a decade, embodied the grit, intelligence, and selflessness that defined the Warriors’ dynasty. His ability to set screens, rebound, and defend multiple positions made him an invaluable role player, especially during the championship runs. But with Looney now on his way out, the Warriors face a critical question: Who can fill the void at the starting center position? One name stands out as an ideal replacement—Nikola Vucevic.
Vucevic, the Chicago Bulls’ skilled big man, represents a different stylistic approach than Looney, but his skill set aligns perfectly with what the Warriors need to remain competitive in a rapidly evolving league. At 6’10” with a polished offensive game, Vucevic brings scoring, playmaking, and rebounding—elements that could elevate Golden State’s offense to new heights. While Looney’s defense and hustle were irreplaceable, the Warriors must adapt to stay ahead, and Vucevic offers a unique blend of size, skill, and experience that could make him the perfect fit.
One of the most compelling reasons Vucevic makes sense for the Warriors is his offensive versatility. Unlike traditional centers who rely solely on rim-running and putbacks, Vucevic is a legitimate three-level scorer. He boasts a reliable mid-range jumper, a smooth three-point stroke (career 34.7% from deep), and a polished post game. This scoring ability would force defenses to respect him on the perimeter, creating more space for Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson to operate. Defenses can no longer sag off the center when Vucevic is on the floor, which would alleviate some of the offensive congestion that has plagued the Warriors in recent years.
Additionally, Vucevic’s playmaking is an underrated aspect of his game. Averaging over three assists per game for the past several seasons, he has the ability to facilitate from the high post or the perimeter. The Warriors’ motion offense thrives on ball movement and intelligent decision-making, and Vucevic’s passing would add another dimension to their attack. Imagine him operating in dribble-handoff actions with Curry or finding cutters like Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga. His basketball IQ and unselfishness align with the Warriors’ system, making him a seamless fit.
Rebounding is another area where Vucevic would make an immediate impact. The Warriors have often been outmuscled on the glass, particularly against bigger teams like the Lakers and Nuggets. Vucevic, a career double-double player, averages over 10 rebounds per game and has the size to battle with elite centers. His presence would ensure Golden State isn’t giving up second-chance points, a critical factor in close games. While Looney was an excellent rebounder in his own right, Vucevic’s combination of strength and positioning would give the Warriors a more consistent presence on the boards.
Defensively, Vucevic isn’t known as an elite rim protector, which has been a concern for the Warriors in recent years. However, he’s far from a liability. He’s a smart positional defender who understands angles and rotations, and his size alone deters drivers. The Warriors’ defensive system, which relies heavily on switching and communication, could mask some of his limitations. With Draymond Green anchoring the defense and versatile defenders like Wiggins and Kuminga on the wing, Vucevic wouldn’t be asked to do too much. Plus, his offensive contributions could outweigh any defensive shortcomings, especially if the Warriors continue to prioritize spacing and scoring.
Another factor to consider is Vucevic’s durability. Over his 12-year career, he has been remarkably consistent, rarely missing extended time due to injury. The Warriors have dealt with their fair share of health issues, particularly with their big men, so having a reliable starter who can log heavy minutes is a major plus. Vucevic’s ability to stay on the court would provide much-needed stability, especially during the grueling regular season.
From a financial standpoint, acquiring Vucevic would require some maneuvering. He’s owed $20 million next season, which means the Warriors would likely need to part with a combination of players and picks to make the salaries work. However, given his production and fit, he’d be worth the investment. Golden State’s championship window with Curry, Thompson, and Green is still open, but it’s narrowing. Adding a proven veteran like Vucevic could be the move that pushes them back into title contention.
Some might argue that the Warriors should prioritize youth and athleticism at the center position, especially with the emergence of Kuminga and Trayce Jackson-Davis. But while those young players have upside, they lack the experience and polished skills that Vucevic brings. The Warriors aren’t in a position to develop a raw big man—they need someone who can contribute immediately, and Vucevic fits that description perfectly.
Of course, no player is a perfect solution, and Vucevic does have his flaws. His lack of elite athleticism can be exposed in certain matchups, and he’s not the same defensive anchor as someone like Rudy Gobert or Joel Embiid. But in the Warriors’ system, where versatility and skill are prioritized over traditional center play, Vucevic’s strengths far outweigh his weaknesses. His ability to stretch the floor, rebound, and pass would make him an invaluable piece alongside Curry and Green.
The NBA is shifting toward skilled big men who can shoot and facilitate, and Vucevic has been ahead of that curve for years. Pairing him with the Warriors’ core would create matchup nightmares for opposing teams. Defenses would have to choose between leaving Curry open on the perimeter or giving Vucevic space to operate, and neither option is appealing.
As the Warriors look to retool for another championship run, Nikola Vucevic represents the ideal balance of talent, experience, and fit. While Kevon Looney’s departure is bittersweet, Vucevic’s arrival could usher in a new era of Warriors basketball—one where the center position is no longer just a role but a focal point of the offense. If Golden State can pull off a move for him, it could be the key to unlocking their next championship.
