Back to back. That’s not just a Drake song, it could be the Bulls’ fate on the Most Improved Player award. Mirotic could win the award not just based on statistical reasons, but NBA politics could favor the sophomore over the other candidates.
The front office sold Nikola Mirotic’s growth to the Bulls fan-base for their excuse for not showing much aggression in the 2015 NBA free agency. The Bulls promised to build from within, especially around the former Euro League MVP. All signs point in a positive direction for Nikola Mirotic this season. Last season, Nikola Mirotic averaged 18.1 points per game with 8.8 rebounds per game in his per 36 minutes stats. The reason why per 36 minutes stats are more important is because he’ll be thrown into the starting lineup and will be playing roughly 35 minutes a night.
In a system built for a stretch four, Mirotic is poised to have a breakout season. Whether it’s this season or the next, there will still be a major upgrade from his game compared to last season. After a strong preseason performance, it seems more likely his breakout season is closer than expected.
NBA politics will play a major role in deciding awards this season once again. While Stephen Curry took him the MVP award, Steve Kerr was snubbed the Coach of the Year award. It happens every year, but next season it could favor the Bulls in the best way possible. Assuming nobody on the Bulls will be contending for an MVP award up against Lebron James, Anthony Davis, and Kevin Durant, the Bulls would still be a top seeded team that would need to be awarded in one category or another. It’s possible Fred Hoiberg takes the cake if the Bulls finish the season with the top two seed, but Mirotic has a bigger chance at claiming the Most Improved Player in his starting role.
