Only the Spurs (known for their international focus) and Jazz (built off the same front-office tree) had more 2016 Olympians than the Bulls.
Chicago sent Jimmy Butler (Team USA), Nikola Mirotic (Spain), CristianoFelicio (Brazil) to Rio. For a moment, it appeared only two of the three would return healthy.
Mirotic injured his knee when he banged it against Aron Baynes’ in the bronze-medal game. But the Chicago forward says he’s fine.
Mirotic:
A stretch four, Mirotic will be crucial to the Bulls this season. He’s their only projected starter who’s an above-average 3-point shooter for his position.
All those spacing concerns about Rajon Rondo, Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler? The burden falls heavily to Mirotic to alleviate them.
This was a major injury Chicago couldn’t afford – and apparently avoided.