NBA

8 Fantasy Hoops Players Expecting Bigger Roles as Starters

Jay Kim  —  @ThirtyDimes Oct 27th, 2015
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Nikola Mirotic, SF/PF, Chicago Bulls

Starts Last Season: 3
Minutes Per Game: 20.2
Projected Minutes per Game: 28.1

Not many people predicted the full extent of the impact that Nikola Mirotic had last season for the Chicago Bulls. The former Real Madrid star was one of four rookies to play in all 82 games and went on to make the All-Rookie First Team.

Mirotic took full advantage of his increased playing time during the latter part of the 2014-15 season. Before the All-Star break, Mirotic averaged 7.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.96 three pointers made in 17.1 minutes per game. However, after the All-Star break, he averaged 16 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.68 three pointers made in 26 minutes per game -- now that's more like it!

Although new head coach Fred Hoiberg has already expressed his desire to pair Mirotic with Pau Gasol, Mirotic's versatility allows the Bulls to utilize him in a multitude of lineups. Look for Mirotic to make an even bigger impact in his second year.

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