When it comes to top prospect European players, it’s hard to tell where they’ll rank among NBA players. Usually they’re considered a bust after entering the NBA. Dirk Nowitzki an exception to that, Darko Milicic and Andrea Bargnani clearly are not.
It was hard to project how Nikola Miortic’s game would translate in the NBA. He was considered one of the best European players to ever play as he won the 2013 Spain League MVP at age 22. Mirotic was also able to win Spanish King’s Cup MVP in 2014 before leaving the Spanish League. Coming into the NBA, Nikola Mirotic proved he had a strong offensive game, but he clearly needed to add muscle to his body.
One season after joining the Chicago Bulls, Nikola Mirotic made a strong impression on the NBA as he made NBA All-Rookie First Team and came second in Rookie of the Year voting behind Andrew Wiggins. This year, Niko is expected to take the next step in hopes that Fred Hoiberg will guide him into a Allstar caliber player.
“His ceiling is Dirk, which would be great for us.” – Nazr Mohammed on Nikola Mirotic
“I think Niko is just going to be a great NBA player. He does so many things well. He can shoot the ball. He’s a better driver than people give him credit for. He has some good post moves. He’s tough. He’s not going to back down from a fight. Now with this experience, I think he’s going to play better, get better and improve and make a bigger impact next year.” – Nazr Mohammed on Nikola Mirotic
It’s unfair to set the bar so high for Nikola Mirotic just after his first season. Niko has separated himself from guys like Andrea Bargnani, Darko Millic, Hasheem Thabeet, and Jan Vesely. He’s not a bust, at least there’s no indication for him to be one. Mirotic could actually excel even more under coach Hoiberg.
Let Dirk be Dirk; let Niko be Niko. It’s great seeing NBA veterans giving Mirotic such high praise, it gives Bulls fans something to cheer about. Bulls fans know a thing or two about welcoming a European player with open arms, like Toni Kukoc. One thing is for sure, Mirotic will be a fan favorite in Chicago for a long time.
