OUTSIDE TOUCH ELUDES MIROTIC
Once thought to be core player, forward trying to deal with coming off bench
The stat lines haven’t been that sexy yet.
At least not for a player the Bulls deemed a key part of the new core two seasons ago.
Nikola Mirotic has made strides in his third year, but with his contract up at the end of the season — he’ll be a restricted free agent— the Bulls have to determine whether the former Euroleague standout is worth keeping.
They have nearly six months to decide. Until then, it’s up to the 6- 10 stretch four to ease their minds.
After losing out to veteran Taj Gibson for a starting job, Mirotic scored 15 points on 6- for- 11 shooting off the bench in the season- opening victory over the Celtics on Thursday. Perhaps more important, he grabbed nine rebounds.
In the win over the Pacers on Saturday, he shot 3- for- 9, scored eight points and had three rebounds.
But the Bulls expected Mirotic would be an outside threat when he finally arrived in the States, and that’s where he seems to be frustratingly inconsistent.
As a rookie, he shot just 32 percent from three- point range but was given a pass. He was a firstyear NBA player in a new country. Last season he improved to 39 percent, but a lot of that work came in the last 22 games ( 45 percent).
Mirotic was inconsistent this preseason, when he shot 24 percent from on threes and lost out to Gibson.
That hasn’t changed much in two regular- season games. The sample size is small, but Mirotic has to be better than 2- for- 10 from long distance.
“I love how Niko played, his approach to the game,’’ coach Fred Hoiberg said after the Celtics game, pointing out that Mirotic’s all- around game is the focus. “He was 1- for- 6 from the three- point line, but he did so many other things that had a positive impact on that game.
“He’s just bought into what we
were doing. It goes to show you even when your shot isn’t falling, you can still have a positive impact.’’
Hoiberg’s confidence in Mirotic isn’t just talk.
With the game against the Celtics still close late, Hoiberg’s closing lineup was Rajon Rondo, Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler, Gibson and Mirotic.
That finishing group wasn’t necessary in the blowout victory over the Pacers, but Mirotic’s understanding is that it’s a fluid situation.
“It’s going to be game- by-game depending on how you play during that game, and matchups are important,’’ Mirotic said. “But the good thing is I can play with all those guys. I don’t know how many minutes Taj and I have played together. That’s huge for me.’’
Now if Mirotic can just get over not being a starter. He said he is, but he admitted he is working through it.
“It doesn’t feel right to be honest, but no disappointment,’’ he said. “I want to not think and be focused and play my game. Now that I come from the bench, it’s like, ‘ All right, figure out how you’re going to do that, how you’re going to help your team and play well.’ It’s going to be a long season. But I told Fred, ‘ It’s no problem. I respect your decision.’ Taj is an amazing player. He deserves to be the starter.’’