Nikola Mirotic geared up for a Friday return?

The long wait is soon to be over for Nikola to get his 2017–2018 season started. The power forward from Montenegro is likely to return to action in Charlotte on Friday night, in a reserve role for the rebuilding Bulls.

Mirotic was surely the starter coming out of training camp for Hoiberg, however a scuffle with Bobby Portis led to the emergence of rookie Lauri Markannen. On Oct. 17, Portis and Mirotic got into an ugly one during a scrimmage, which lead to Bobby Portis punching and fracturing Mirotic’s face.

Although the organization would like you to believe that everything is fine, the two have still yet to speak to one another, almost three months after the incident. The two could be seen “bumping fists” on the bench during a game, however they have yet to make even so much as eye contact. Let’s be clear, things are NOT okay between the two. Mirotic made it known to the Bulls and the media that he did not want to play on the same team as Portis, so they would have to trade one or the other. However, now it appears both will play, and will play on the same line as they will both be off of the bench.

How much of an impact will Niko have for a struggling 3–18 team? Well, this team is sadly going nowhere fast. The Bulls have lost nine in a row, so adding a shooting big man could not possibly hurt them, however, adding to the logjam of big men may take some minutes away from the rookie Markannen, which is certainly something we do not want to see. Felicio likely loses his spot in the rotation, while Portis should slide to Center and back up Robin Lopez.

Mirotic can not be traded until Jan. 18, 2018, and he was not being fought over during free agency, so he will likely have to suck it up, and play hard to either show the Bulls that he is committed, or to show another team that he could potentially help them if he is traded.