Nikola Vucevic is one of the lone veterans on a youthful Chicago Bulls team.He’s the voice of reason and is often measured in his assessment of the team’s performance. Vucevic, who recently played his 1,000th career game, has experienced any situation imaginable on an NBA roster. His myriad of experiences helps him relate to his younger teammates who are still experiencing growing pains.“Because of my experience and everything I went through, [there are] some things that seem very simple and easy, and I understand right away,” Vucevic said. “Sometimes for younger guys, it’s not as easy, just like it wasn’t for me when I first came [into the league] and I’m sure veterans were upset with me at times. To me, [it’s about] just managing my emotions and my reaction and understanding [on] how to approach guys.”Vucevic was prescient as his boisterous teammates celebrated and jumped around him during his off-court interview after the Bulls narrowly beat a rebuilding Wizards team on Nov. 22 — the Bulls would go on to lose seven straight games.Coach Billy Donovan has lauded Vucevic for his professionalism and conditioning.Against Charlotte, Vucevic sat for the final 18 minutes, 58 seconds of that game. Vucevic would regain his starting spot, but the team has explored playing more double-big lineups that has proliferated accross the NBA. Those lineups also help mask much of Vucevic’s defensive deficiencies. Entering Friday’s game, the Bulls were a -0.7 over 50 possessions with both Vucevic and center Jalen Smith on the floor.…
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