Jan 16, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) dribbles the ball against the Boston Celtics during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
#7 – Nikola Mirotic
“Threekola Mirotic” has been a fantastic rookie for the Bulls this season. Mirotic, who came to the NBA after playing basketball in Europe, has done everything the Bulls could have asked from him.
At the age of 23, he has shown a lot of promise. He is averaging 7.9 points, 4.9 rebounds and 0.7 blocks while just playing 18 minutes per game. He has been extremely helpful for the Bulls on offense when he’s playing, because he spaces the floor so well. Since he is shooting 35.2% from three, defenders need to guard him closely, or he will make them pay for it. Because Mirotic is a power forward, his ability to space the floor makes it easier for everyone else to penetrate the paint.
Mirotic also has a strong PER of 17, higher than the current favorite for the Rookie of the Year award, Andrew Wiggins (12.9 PER). In fact, if Mirotic had more playing time, he would have a real shot at winning the award, but with such a strong frontcourt, that’s unlikely to happen.