Tristan Thompson provides challenge for Zach LaVine, Nikola Vucevic

Chicago Bulls big man Tristan Thompson has provided fellow teammates Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic with challenges for the postseason.

Chicago Bulls big man Tristan Thompson has provided fellow teammates Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic with challenges for the postseason. For Booker, it's to take the playoff stage by storm in similar fashion to which Suns star Devin Booker did last season. Additionally, Thompson challenged Vucevic to be the best big man in the series with the Milwaukee Bucks, per K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports.

Thompson also said he challenged Nikola Vucevic to “be the best big in the series.”

Sounds like Thompson challenged a lot of teammates. https://t.co/B94x80TOvC

— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) April 15, 2022

This will be LaVine's first playoff stint after spending the first few seasons of his career with the Timberwolves. LaVine will be looking for his regular season to translate to the postseason, as he's enjoying another All-Star year.

The bright lights never seem to be too much for the UCLA product. While not nearly the stage of the playoffs, he seemed to thrive on the pressure of the dunk contest. In the meantime though, LaVine will have to rely on the likes of Tristan Thompson, Demar Derozan, and Alex Caruso on their experience in the playoffs.

As for Vucevic's challenge, it's quite the task, as the Bucks possess the reigning NBA Finals MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo. Vucevic will likely not be matched up with Antetokounmpo on either side of the floor, other than when the Bucks opt to go small. Instead, he'll guard the likes of Bobby Portis, who has enjoyed a career year, along with Brook Lopez off the bench.

Although his numbers aren't quite what they were with the Magic, Vucevic has still produced in the Windy City. On the season, he's averaging 17.6 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. The Bulls certainly need Vucevic to be the best big on his own team, as he's far and away the most talented frontcourt player.

The sixth seeded Bulls tip off for Game 1 against the Bucks on Sunday, as they head into the series as underdogs. If LaVine and Vucevic fulfill the challenges set by Thompson, they'll be in good shape to advance to the next round.