The Chicago Bulls struck gold when they drafted Jimmy Butler with the 30th overall pick in 2011. Since then Butler hasn’t disappointed. The 6’7 shooting guard won Most Improved Player last season and was the first Bull in franchise history to receive that award.
However, it now seems like every other player on the roster is going to be competing for that award now too. Stacey King came out this summer saying he believes Doug McDermott will win Most Improved Player, and now Sam Smith throws Nikola Mirotic in the race as a potential winner.
“Some people may have been surprised with my performance, but those who know me know the best Mirotic is yet to come. The expectations grow year by year, I know that. I have many things to improve, both offensively and defensively. But that’s normal for any young and ambitious guy. I’ve always liked to put in the work and make strong decisions. Next year I guess I’m going to have more of a featured role with the team and that’s just another motivation to work extra hard so when the team needs me I’m ready to deliver.” – Nikola Mirotic
The legendary Sam Smith clearly has more credibility in his words than Stacey King. Both have great candidates, but Mirotic is clearly the more obvious choice. With a new system implemented in place, Mirotic’s role will expand larger than ever.
The 6’10 forward from Europe kicked it up a notch in the second half of last season. Nikola Mirotic averaged 20.8 points per game in the month of March and led the entire NBA in fourth quarter scoring. Mirotic was also voted on First All-NBA Rookie Team and was voted second behind Andrew Wiggins in Rookie of the Year honors. Nikola Mirotic averaged 18.1 points per game with 8.8 rebounds per game PER 36 minutes last season. With an increase role and minutes, Niko’s stats are expected to skyrocket. Most Improved Player might actually be a realistic goal for Mirotic if he wins the starting power-forward position.
