Bulls' Mirotic: 'Those who know me know the best Mirotic is yet to come'
After tearing up European competition and capturing 2013 Spanish League MVP honors, Montenegrin gunner Nikola Mirotic opted for a bigger challenge last summer.
Mirotic signed with the Chicago Bulls and blossomed into an effective bench scorer who could play interchangeably between the perimeter and the post. He won two Rookie of the Month awards and was named to the All-Rookie First Team.
But Mirotic isn't quite satisfied with his progress. As Mirotic told Jorge Sierra from HoopsHype, there's more in store for the 24-year-old.
"Some people may have been surprised with my performance, but those who know me know the best Mirotic is yet to come," he said.
Aside from his age, there's good reason to believe Mirotic can improve upon his 2014-15 campaign, when he averaged 10.2 points and 4.9 rebounds in 20.2 minutes.
Mirotic was at times hindered by former Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau's rigorous schemes. Thibodeau favored defense above all and Mirotic's defensive mishaps often locked him to the bench.
However, Mirotic's fluid, floor-stretching skill set is ideally suited to new coach Fred Hoiberg's aggressive schemes.
"We know he’s a very offensive-minded coach, which perhaps is what the team needed - to play with more freedom," Mirotic said. "We have very talented offensive players that can score in the open court. I’m personally looking forward to starting the new season with him."
Under Hoiberg, Mirotic envisions himself having a "featured" role, which is motivating him to continue to improve.
"I had many things to improve, both offensively and defensively. But that’s normal for any young and ambitious guy is. I’ve always liked to put in the work and make strong decisions. Next year I guess I’m going to have more of a featured role with the team and that’s just another motivation to work extra hard so when the team needs me I’m ready to deliver."
Bulls fans caught a peek of Mirotic's full potential last season. After a slow start, Mirotic found his stride in March. While the Bulls' main pieces battled injuries, Mirotic upped his averages to 20.8 points and 7.6 rebounds in 30.8 minutes.
So now you know - the best Mirotic is yet to come.