Nikola Vucevic excited at the potential for first deep playoff run with Boston Celtics

Q: How many playoff games has Nikola Vucevic played in his career?

Nikola Vucevic has played in only 16 playoff games throughout his 15-year NBA career.

Q: What seed are the Boston Celtics in the 2026 NBA Playoffs?

The Boston Celtics hold the second seed in the Eastern Conference for the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

Q: Who are the Boston Celtics facing in the first round of the playoffs?

The Boston Celtics are facing the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs.

Q: When was the last time Nikola Vucevic played in the playoffs?

Nikola Vucevic last played in the playoffs in 2022.

BOSTON — Center Nikola Vucevic has accomplished a lot in his 15-year NBA career. He's a former first-round pick, a two-time All-Star, and a respected big man in basketball's premier league. However, the 35-year-old has never had a legitimate shot at the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy — until now. Vucevic has only played in 16 playoff games in his career, and he hasn't made it past the first round since his rookie season in 2012. He only recorded 3 minutes in that Eastern Conference Semifinals series 14 years ago with the Philadelphia 76ers and they were eventually eliminated in seven games by Vucevic's current squad: the Boston Celtics.

Mar 1, 2026; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Nikola Vucevic (4) defends Philadelphia 76ers forward Trendon Watford (12) during the second half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images In a bit of irony, Vucevic is now preparing to take on the Sixers in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs. Prior to Game 1 on Sunday afternoon, he told Celtics Wire that he's happy to be participating in playoff basketball for the first time since 2022. "I'm very excited to be back in the playoffs," he said in the locker room pregame. "It's been a couple of years as a player. That's what you always want to do, get to the playoffs, and then go from there, see how far you can go. But yes, very excited to be here." To make matters even better, the 56-26 Celtics hold the second seed in the Eastern Conference and have a roster with real championship aspirations. And although Vucevic has been a part of some solid teams over the course of his long NBA journey, he's never been on a squad with a top-5 seed in the playoffs. So, it's a nice change of pace for the Montenegrin center, as he can do more than just celebrate the fact that he made the playoffs. The Celtics aren't ones to be satisfied with just a playoff appearance either, which always impressed Vucevic. "The team, the results they've had speaks for itself," he said. "You always knew about Boston being one of the best teams, obviously, the history they have and the culture they created." That winning culture and a nonstop drive for championships made Vucevic eager to get to work when he was first traded to the Celtics in February. "I just looked at it when I got traded here as a great opportunity for me, especially later in my career now to have a chance to play for something really meaningful," he revealed. "It's a great opportunity, and it's the first time I'm really on a team that has a chance to go deep." How far the Celtics can go in the playoffs remains to be seen, but it all starts on Sunday. Vucevic told Celtics Wire that he hasn't thought much about the fact that he's playing the franchise that drafted him since his time in Philly was so long ago. He sounded focused on helping the Celtics off the bench and doing everything he can to ensure they advance to the second round, somewhere he hasn't been in what feels like forever. "They play tough, so we have to be at our best," Vucevic described of the Sixers. "So hopefully we make the best out of (the series), but it starts today. We take it one game at a time." Listen to "Havlicek Stole the Pod" on: Blue Wire: iTunes: YouTube: *This article originally appeared on Celtics Wire: *