The Chicago Bulls saw their season come to an end last week in their playoff loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers, but the team continues to pick up hardware as forward Nikola Mirotic was named to the NBA’s All-Rookie Team.
Mirotic averaged 10.2 points and 4.9 rebounds per game in his rookie season with the Bulls, and ended up finishing in second place in the NBA in Rookie of the Year voting, trailing only Minnesota’s Andrew Wiggins. Wiggins was also named to the All-Rookie Team, joining Philadelphia’s Nerlens Noel, Orlando’s Elfrid Payton, and Los Angeles’ Jordan Clarkson.
In his first season with the Bulls, Mirotic adapted quickly to the North American game, spreading the floor with his three point shooting ability and helping the team adapt to more of an offensive-oriented style.
Along with Pau Gasol, Mirotic gave the Bulls the type of secondary scoring threats they have often lacked during Tom Thibodeau’s tenure with the squad, and his minutes and opportunities to play increased as the season went along.
Moving forward, it would certainly appear that Mirotic will continue to be a big part of the Bulls’ rotation. The team might have to make a few moves in the offseason to help fit in a new max contract for Jimmy Butler, and Mirotic could stand to benefit if guys like Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson are sent elsewhere.
