Chicago Bulls: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 30: Robin Lopez #8 of the Chicago Bulls enters the court before the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers on March 30, 2017 at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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5. Bulls and Nikola Mirotic will eventually work out a deal

Nikola Mirotic has had his fare share of ups and downs during his three seasons in the Windy City. Although he has produced double-digit scoring averages in every year he has been in the league, there are also instances in which he has had little or no impact on the game.

Unfortunately, the story doesn’t get any better in regards to how he has performed in the postseason. Back in 2014-15, Mirotic’s per game averages included 5.7 points and 2.7 boards per outing. Additionally, he shot just 30 percent from the field and 23 percent from distance.

In this year’s playoffs, his numbers were somewhat better, but not by much. During the six-game set against the Celtics, Mirotic averaged 8.7 points and 5.0 rebounds per contest on slash lines of .340/.286/.800. These aren’t exactly the kind of numbers one expects from a guy who is supposed to excel in the stretch-4 spot.

While there hasn’t been much talk between the two sides during the offseason, executive vice president of basketball operations John Paxson did advise the team is intent on bringing Mirotic back after the season. Barring any major changes, Mirotic will be in a Bulls uniform next season.

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