Grizzlies get look at possible future Bull Mirotic
Memphis played an exhibition Saturday against Real Madrid, which meant the Grizzlies got a look at one of the Bulls' proposed future weapons — forward Nikola Mirotic.
The Bulls acquired the rights to Mirotic through a draft-night trade in 2011 and the 6-foot-10 forward will likely remain in Spain for another year or two. Mirotic is a two-time winner of the EuroLeague Rising Star award, given to the most promising player under 22.
“You put him in the right situation, the right spots, he could be effective,” Memphis forward Zach Randolph said. “He looked like a Dirk (Nowitzki) and a (Denver's Danilo) Gallinari. He might not be as athletic as Gallo, but he can shoot it.”
Mirotic produced 14 points and 7 rebounds against the Grizzlies, hitting 5 of 11 shots. Against Toronto on Monday, Mirotic had 17 points, 12 rebounds, 3 blocks and 6 fouls.
Memphis coach Lionel Hollins wasn't quite ready to predict NBA stardom for Mirotic.
“I think he's got a chance to be in the league,” Hollins said. “He can shoot the ball. He knows how to play. Obviously, we start talking about a kid that's still young, it's about getting stronger and learning the NBA game. The NBA game is so much more aggressive and physical. Over there, a lot of the guys just stay on the perimeter and shoot shots and that's it.
“He'll have to be able to play both (forward) positions and it will be tough for him. We went small and played Rudy Gay at 4 and (Mirotic) became a nonfactor. If he's playing against a bigger 4, obviously, he's going to have a little bit more of an advantage.”
Allen brothers battle:In the final minute of the first half, the two coaches gave the Allen brothers a chance to play against each other.Ryan Allen is a training camp invite for the Bulls and likely headed to Europe soon. His older brother Tony is a nine-year NBA veteran for the Grizzlies. The Allen brothers grew up on Chicago's West Side, although Ryan moved to the South suburbs once Tony established himself in the pros.#8220;It's going to be a fun moment if he gets out there,#8221; Tony said before the game. #8220;I just wish him the best of luck. He's my little brother. We do everything together. I pretty much taught him everything he knows.#8221;The two are six years apart in age, but Tony insists they are close.#8220;Growing up in the city, playing in a lot of these leagues, it's like a crossover town,#8221; Tony Allen said. #8220;Guys got those good handles and they score a lot of buckets. We were making a name off guys couldn't score on us, and having that defensive edge.#8221;True to form, the Allen brothers guarded each other during their time on the floor and neither scored.Bull horns:Naperville native Anthony Parker, who retired from the Cleveland Cavaliers last spring, sat on the press table at Tuesday's game, scouting for Orlando. ... Of the 16 of healthy Bulls players in training camp, everyone but Andre Emmett saw the floor in Tuesday's game.