Sir Charles in Charge
Fansided

Most Important Players For Every Eastern Conference Playoff Team

By Steven Abramo

Apr 2, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) shoots a ball as Philadelphia 76ers guard Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20) defends during the third quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre.The Toronto Raptors won 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Serge Ibaka (9) shoots a ball as Philadelphia 76ers guard Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot (20) defends during the third quarter in a game at Air Canada Centre.The Toronto Raptors won 110-105. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 8, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) spins towards the hoop next to Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) in the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Bulls 123-92. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2017; Oakland, CA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Nikola Mirotic (44) spins towards the hoop next to Golden State Warriors guard Shaun Livingston (34) in the fourth quarter at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Bulls 123-92. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Chicago Bulls – Nikola Mirotic

Chicago will enter the playoffs under-manned in the frontcourt. Following Taj Gibson’s departure a month ago, mixed with the underperformance of rookie Bobby Portis, the Bulls have relied on essentially a two-man rotation up-front, with Nikola Mirotic at the 4 and Robin Lopez anchoring the 5.

At times, Chicago has witnessed potential out stretch-four Paul Zipser and Portis, who started for the Bulls during the season’s first half.

But as a whole, Chicago needs another impact big to help Lopez out. While the options may be slim, newly-established starter Mirotic might just be the Bulls last resort. Since starting over Portis in the middle of March, Mirotic has produced impressive numbers – averaging 15.6 points and 6.5 rebounds while shooting 51.2 percent from the field and 47.9 from 3.

Must Read: 2017 NBA Mock Draft 2.0

Overall, his ability to stretch the floor, rebound against his position and shoot for a high percentage gives the Bulls offense stability heading into the postseason.

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