2. Experimenting with Mirotic at Small Forward Adds Another Player into the Thin Two/Three position rotation
The Chicago Bulls have recently experimented with Nikola Mirotic playing the three position. As a stretch big man capable of hitting three pointers for a high percentage, the transition to the small forward position looks like an inevitable conversion in the near future.
Given that the Bulls are short on quality wing players that have commanded Thibodeau’s trust, it would really help out the entire team if Mirotic can adapt to playing the small forward position. Keeping with the subject of this article, Mirotic on the wing as a small forward adds another player that can be rotated in to potentially give Jimmy Butler more time to rest.
Dec 27, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) is defended by New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
After the Bulls big win on Saturday against the Pelicans, Tom Thibodeau admitted that the Bulls are still experimenting with Mirotic to see where he will fit in best long term.
"“I just wanted to get a look at it,” said Thibodeau. “It was a start. I want to look at the film. We just have to figure out what we have to do, where we can play efficiently with him on the floor.”"
The biggest issue preventing an immediate conversion of Mirotic into a small forward is the question of whether he can guard wing players. Mirotic has impressed me defensively this season and proven to be much more athletic than people initially gave him credit for.
However, he still hasn’t figured out all the defensive sets that Thibodeau imposes on his personnel and looks lost out there defensively at times. In addition, he has the tendency to reach, and doesn’t slide his feet to cut off driving opponents consistently. Mirotic has shown a willingness to work hard to learn and improve defensively and undoubtedly possesses the physical tools to be a serviceable defender at the NBA level. All of this bodes well for his chances of transitioning into the small forward position in the future.