Nikola Mirotic Is Chicago Bulls’ Long-Term Answer At Small Forward
Don’t look now, but the Chicago Bulls may finally be beginning to fulfill their basketball potential.
Many analysts had the Bulls pegged before the season began as the best team in the Eastern Conference over other contenders such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, Toronto Raptors or Washington Wizards. The Atlanta Hawks have also emerged as a legitimate title threat, but there isn’t a team in the East that boasts more talent and depth right now than Chicago.
With Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler in the backcourt and Pau Gasol and Joakim Noah up front, along with Aaron Brooks, Taj Gibson, Tony Snell and Doug McDermott coming off the bench, this team has the offensive and defensive firepower to play with anyone in the NBA right now.
The only real problem with the Bulls rotation lies at the small forward position, as Mike Dunleavy and McDermott don’t seem to be long-term answers right now.
However, Chicago doesn’t have to go make a move for a quality small forward, as the answer is already on the roster.
Who you ask? Nikola Mirotic.
I’ve written before about Mirotic and how he could be a key piece for the Bulls down the stretch. From when he was playing his basketball with Real Madrid, I have always admired Mirotic for his versatility and skill level at the power forward position.
But the real question should be, is Mirotic truly a power forward, or does he have the talent to float around and play different positions for a long amount of time, not just in a pinch?
While Mirotic may have the size and length of a power forward, I truly do not think he is a four for this Bulls team.
The way Mirotic plays is actually much more like that of a small forward because of how he gets his baskets on offense.
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As surprising as it may be because of his true size, Mirotic does not play out of the post a great deal. Does he have the ability to back his man down and use a move closer to the basket to score? Yes he does, because he has proved that he can both in Europe and here in the NBA. However, Mirotic is much more comfortable playing out on the perimeter.
Mirotic loves to look for the three-point shot when he can get it, something that the Bulls consistently need in order to get the most out of their offense. Rose is great at being a drive-and-kick point guard, and Mirotic may be one of the best spot-up options Chicago has on its roster.
On the season, Mirotic is shooting 38 percent from beyond the arc, which speaks to the fact that he is certainly a respectable shooter from distance.
Mirotic also loves to get out in transition and run in the fast break for easy scores or pull-up shot opportunities. There aren’t many players on the Bulls that hustle on the break more consistently than Mirotic. He recognizes situations in which he can get easy buckets and he takes full advantage time and time again.
In the half-court, Mirotic does more than spot-up for a jump shot, as he likes to consistently cut to the basket and mix it up inside. Mirotic isn’t afraid of contact and looks for it so he can get to the free throw line. His 78.4 percent from the charity stripe is all the more reason why he should look for those shots more often.
Typical big men like to play inside and operate in the post, but rarely do they look to cut to the basket and run as much as Mirotic does. His athleticism needs to be taken better advantage of, and when coupled with his overall size, he could be a true mismatch on the wing for a lot of different defenders.
Because he is so quick with his hands and feet, Mirotic is also fully capable of guarding small forwards for long periods of time. His toughness combined with his willingness to take on his man regardless of who he is means that he will never be afraid to go up against some of the best forwards in the game like LeBron James or Kevin Durant.
What he can do on defense is what’s going to ultimately get him the starting nod from head coach Tom Thibodeau, as his track record has always said that he is going to think about defense first.
Because he is so versatile in how he scores the ball and has proven that he can play defense all over the floor, Mirotic deserves serious minutes at the small forward and should be in that role as a starter by season’s end. Mirotic is too gifted of a player to be wasted away on the bench for over half the game.
If the Bulls want to seriously contend in the Eastern Conference, then there is no reason why they should play arguably the best rookie forward in the league right now. He may not have the NBA experience, but he definitely has the professional experience, and knows how to handle himself in high-pressure situations.
Embrace versatility, Chicago. Give Mirotic a chance, and I’m sure he will go above and beyond the expectations set for him.
*Statistics courtesy of Basketball-Reference.