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.