It may seem like the Bulls haven’t added any stars this summer to their roster; actually they didn’t even add a single player besides Bobby Portis. However, the Bulls still feel they’ll be significantly better because of the growth of Nikola Mirotic.
Nikola ‘Niko’ Miortic averaged 10.2 points per game with 5.0 rebounds per game in his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls. Despite averaging 20.2 minutes per game off the bench, Nikola Mirotic made a strong impression on the NBA as he came second in Rookie of the Year voting. Niko also came in first All-Rookie First Team this season. Mirotic averaged 18.1 points per game with 8.8 rebounds per game PER 36 minutes.
Nikola Mirotic was considered a questionable gem hidden in Europe. His size and versatility to go along with his jump shot made him highly marketable going into the 2011 NBA draft. However, nobody knew if he would live up to the hype. Many European players have been drafted high in the lottery and weren’t able to sustain a career in the NBA. Another negative headline that was attached to Mirotic’s name was his newly signed contract in Spain, which meant he wasn’t planning to come to the NBA anytime soon. The Rockets selected Nikola Mirotic at the 23rd pick in the 2011 NBA draft which then was traded to the Timberwolves. The Bulls traded Norris Cole and Malcolm Lee for Nikola Mirotic’s rights to the Wolves.
One year has passed and Mirotic’s name has been floated in conversation to become a possible starter with the Chicago Bulls with their overloaded front-court. He has something not many players in this league can bring, which is the ultimate versatility by a 6’10 player.
While fans may see no change in the roster, the Bulls front office see a star-like addition to the team next season. The hopes of Gar Forman and John Paxson is to develop yet another star under their belt; like a Derrick Rose, Jimmy Butler, and Joakim Noah.
If you haven’t done so already, go buy yourself a Bulls Nikola Mirotic jersey because he’s here for the long haul.
