The Bulls will always be about Derrick Rose, and keeping a watchful eye on how he reintegrates himself this preseason will likely be the priority for many of the team’s fans.
But the play of Nikola Mirotic in Chicago’s preseason opener on Monday may have been more inspiring.
Chicago has been known for its defense in recent years, but the offense has struggled at times, especially with Rose out of the lineup due to injury. But the addition of Mirotic, who finished with 17 points on 5-of-9 shooting in 22 minutes of action, should help there immensely.
Mirotic was inked to a three-year deal this summer, after being drafted by the Bulls back in 2011. He shined in Europe, where he won the Spanish League MVP in 2013 and shot 46 percent from three-point distance last season.
This nice collection of highlights from his first outing with the Bulls showcases some of what he should be able to provide in Chicago on a fairly consistent basis.