Chicago Bulls training camp is right around the corner, with the first preseason game coming Oct. 3 against the Milwaukee Bucks. Between then and now, CSNChicago.com will take a look at each player on the Bulls’ roster to preview and project their importance to the team as the Bulls hope to qualify for the 2017 NBA Playoffs.
Player: Nikola Mirotic
Position: Power Forward
Experience: 3rd season
2015-16 Stats: 11.8 points, 5.5 rebounds
2016-17 Outlook: Mirotic’s natural second-year development was halted by a case of acute appendicitis that was discovered right before the All-Star break, and held him out of action for five weeks.
Before the break, his play was inconsistent as he struggled to find his way in Fred Hoiberg’s system, shooting around 38 percent as he started alongside Pau Gasol as a floor-spreading shooter.
NBA
After he returned from his appendectomy and another procedure he had to undergo a week later, he showed signs as he got a clean bill of health, playing more consistently and efficiently, especially with his 3-point shooting (44.5 percent in the last 22 games).
It’s easy and convenient to say had Mirotic been healthy the entire season, he would’ve remained on the upward trajectory many expected, especially given more responsibility and a starting spot.
[SHOP BULLS: Get your Bulls gear right here]
But considering his tendency to want to play with the ball more, which quite honestly led to him winning rookie of the month in March 2015 when the Bulls spent it without Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose, it’s likely he would’ve had an up-and-down year two—just without the variances being so wide.
He improved the catch-and-shoot efficiency (35 percent to 41 percent, shooting 47 after the All-Star break), and that’s the majority of looks he’ll likely get with Butler, Rajon Rondo and Dwyane Wade likely dominating the ball.
He’s an adequate rebounder, although he struggles moving his feet defensively, and will have competition for minutes with Bobby Portis coming along and Taj Gibson being a constant.
But as a pure scorer, he’s the only one who can create his own shot from a variety of ways and may find himself in the starting lineup or at least as a valuable piece off the bench.