Bulls' Nikola Mirotic: Invisible in second straight preseason game

Mirotic was limited to four points (1-7 FG, 0-5 3Pt, 2-2 FT), two rebounds, two blocks and one assist across 24 minutes in Thursday's 115-108 preseason loss to the Pacers.

Analysis:

After Taj Gibson got the starting nod at power forward in the exhibition opener Monday against the Bucks, Mirotic slotted into the lineup this time around, as coach Fred Hoiberg looks to evaluate his options at the position heading into the regular season. Based on the first two games, Mirotic probably finds himself behind Gibson and perhaps even Bobby Portis in the pecking order. He's provided little of the outside shooting the Bulls have craved, going a collective 2-for-14 from the field and 0-for-8 from three-point range. Mirotic presents little value on the defensive end, so when he's not knocking down outside shots, it's difficult for the Bulls to justify keeping him on the court. He'll need to turn things around over the final handful of preseason games in order to make a legitimate run at the starting role.