Pippen Ain't Easy
Fansided

Nikola Mirotic speaks after first practice for first time since agreeing to new deal

By Michael Whitlow

CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 25: Nikola Mirotic #44 celebrates with Cristiano Felicio #6 of the Chicago Bulls after Mirotic scored during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on February 25, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Bulls defeated the Cavaliers 117-99. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)
CLEVELAND, OH - FEBRUARY 25: Nikola Mirotic #44 celebrates with Cristiano Felicio #6 of the Chicago Bulls after Mirotic scored during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on February 25, 2017 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Bulls defeated the Cavaliers 117-99. 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. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

For the first time since agreeing to a new two-year contract with the Chicago Bulls, power forward Nikola Mirotic spoke to reporters about staying in Chicago for at least one more season.

Nikola Mirotic and the Chicago Bulls agreed to terms on a two-year contract extension to keep Mirotic around for at least one more season this past Sunday.

On Tuesday, after the Bulls’ first official practice of the season, Mirotic spoke with members of the media for the first time since his new deal became official.

“I wasn’t worried,” Mirotic said, per Vincent Goodwill of NBC Sports Chicago. “I always knew I would be here, even if I took the qualifying offer.”

What was rather curious about his time in front of the camera was that Mirotic also said that he didn’t speak with any other teams during the summer.

Mirotic also noted that he’s been working hard in the Bulls facilities, putting on around 23 pounds this offseason in preparation for his biggest season in the NBA to date.

As for the Bulls heading into this season, Mirotic is much more optimistic than others on the outside looking into this new-look Bulls teams heading into the 2017-18 season.

He also noted that with this team, they can really execute the philosophies that Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg has been trying to execute over the past two seasons in Chicago after finding success at Iowa State.

Also, shots fired? Kinda?

Mirotic also had some brief thoughts on rookie Lauri Markkanen.

It’ll be four Euros on the Bulls roster potentially next season if they draft Luka Doncic from Slovenia at No. 1 overall … wait, what? It’s only September. Let’s not look too far ahead, although this could be a thing that totally happens.

Next: Rumor: Dwyane Wade 'leaning heavily' towards joining Cleveland Cavaliers

Now that Mirotic is back in the fold, the Bulls can continue to move forward into this rebuilding phase. The first practice is in the books with another coming later on Tuesday at 5 p.m. CT at the Advocate Center.

Home/Bulls News