Mirotic trying to end complicated second season on high note
Staff Reporter
The numbers show some improvement, but this season has felt like a step back for forward Nikola Mirotic.
“It’s been a process of learning every day,’’ said Mirotic, who played in his second game Monday since his appendectomy. “I’m not disappointed. Of course, I was expecting that it was going to be a hard season for me. Everything was different, so I had a lot of ups and downs.
‘‘ I’m trying to play regular every game. That’s not easy right now. But I know I’m going to be there when they need me, and I’m really happy with where I am right now.’’
In late January, Mirotic had to have emergency surgery for appendicitis and was back in surgery a few days later because of a hematoma.
He lost 18 pounds and his conditioning suffered before he returned Saturday against the Houston Rockets.
Mirotic is still five pounds light but said everything else is close to coming back.
“Not too far [ from full strength],’’ Mirotic said.
“I’m working hard, and I’m going to be there soon, so not too far. Maybe a week, 10 days maximum.
“Acouple of hours in the weight room, it’s something I’m doing right now, what I’ve been doing the last couple of weeks. It takes time. There’s nothing like the game, though.’’
But will Mirotic be a stretch four the Bulls can build around? That was the thought after his rookie season, but the jury is still out after some serious growing pains and the injury setback.
The good news for Mirotic is that he has 20 regularseason games to change some minds in the organization.
“I just think it’s really conditioning right now,’’ coach Fred Hoiberg said.
“He took a couple of blows that first day he was back in practice [ last week]. And I think that gave himthe confidence to throw his body around, which you have to do.
“You can’t play scared that if you get hit, something may happen. You’ll have a setback that way. You just have to react and play. I think it was a big step for Niko. Now it’s a matter of getting his lungs in shape and getting his wind back.’’
Still on schedule
Hoiberg said injured center Joakim Noah was scheduled to return to the team later this week and continue his rehab from season- ending shoulder surgery.
Noah, who was rehabbing in New York, was expected to return Friday with the Bulls playing that night at the United Center.