Mirotic doesn't start, but finishes strong
Bulls coach Fred Hoiberg often says finishing games is more important than starting.
Nikola Mirotic lost out on the starting power forward job to Taj Gibson. In Thursday's season-opening win over Boston, both players were on the court down the stretch.
Gibson played well in preseason and kept up the pace against the Celtics, finishing with 18 points, 10 rebounds and a couple of clutch baskets in the fourth quarter. Mirotic also had a good night, posting 15 points and 9 rebounds, despite hitting just 1 of 6 shots from 3-point range.
"I didn't feel very good with my 3-point shot," Mirotic said Friday. "But I tried to find a way to make an impact on the game, rebound the ball, play unselfish and my goal was to play good defense."
Defense isn't Mirotic's strongest suit, but he made a vital defensive play Thursday, forcing Boston rookie Jaylen Brown into a travel with 43 seconds left and the Bulls up by 2 points. Dwyane Wade then iced the game with a 3-pointer on the other end.
"I tell Fred there's no problem (with not starting)," Mirotic said. "I respect the decision. Taj is an amazing player, he's playing so good, he's in great shape. He deserved to be the starter a lot of years here. I just want to play my game, improve this year, make sure my team wins more games."
Hunter joins practice:
R.J. Hunter completed his first practice with the Bulls on Friday. The 6-6 shooting guard from Georgia State was a first-round pick (No. 28 overall) of the Celtics last season, then was cut earlier this week. The Bulls signed him shortly before Thursday's game, which Hunter admitted felt odd, since he just left Boston.
"Yeah, it was super awkward," he said. "I was watching the game in the locker room and I almost cheered (for the Celtics) real quick but then I had to realize I'm not on the team."
Hunter played against Fred Hoiberg's Iowa State squad early in the 2014-15 season, scoring 21 points in a loss at Ames, Iowa. He wasn't a great 3-point shooter in college, connecting on just 30.5 percent in his final college season.
"The one thing I keep hearing from GMs is just (improve) strength," Hunter said. "I've always been a late bloomer, so with work and time, that will just take care of itself. And being myself. I believe in my game and believe in my capabilities."