Doug McDermott and Nikola Mirotic Will Break Tom Thibodeau's Rookie Mold
Chicago Bulls rookies have seldom shed their warmups during the Tom Thibodeau era. The defensive mastermind has been reluctant to trust young prospects with carrying out his game plan on both ends of the floor.
Some prognosticators believe a similar fate will befall Doug McDermott from Creighton and Spanish League star Nikola Mirotic. This year's squad is deep, and the fear is that the newcomers without NBA credentials won't be called upon for heavy lifting.
In Thibodeau's four years as head coach, the numbers show that he doesn't give newbies much responsibility at all. He's perhaps the most stringent defensive coach in the NBA, and he runs a disciplined offensive system as well.
Let's take a look at Thibs' trend of conservatism. Here are the most frequently deployed rookies from each of his first four seasons at the helm:
| Games | Regular Season MPG | Playoffs MPG | ||
| Omer Asik 2010-11 | 82 | 12.1 | 9.9 | |
| Jimmy Butler 2011-12 | 42 | 8.5 | 1.3 | |
| Marquis Teague 2012-13 | 48 | 8.2 | 9.0 | |
| Tony Snell | 77 | 16.0 | 9.2 |
As you can tell, rookie usage has been sparse thus far during his tenure.
Michael Wilbon of ESPNChicago.com dismissed those who think McDermott can start or that Mirotic can have a featured role:
"I hear all the talk about McDermott starting at small forward, and these people don't seem to consider that the head coach hates rookies more than missed defensive assignments. Thibs isn't starting McDermott even if the kid averages 31 points a game in summer league. Not happening. And the only person who has less chance of starting than McDermott is Mirotic, who may be 23 years old but is still a rookie—a rookie who has no clue about playing NBA-level defense.
"
Whether McDermott actually starts on day one or not, Wilbon made an acute misjudgment of the situation by lumping him and Mirotic in with other rookies.
Yes, Thibodeau has been unyielding to incoming prospects up to this point. If playing time equals love, then Thibs does "hate" rookies as Wilbon suggested.
But McDermott and Mirotic are unlike any rookies the coach has encountered while patrolling the sidelines of the United Center. This duo is ready to rub shoulders with the Bulls' talented veterans and vastly outperform the production and efficiency of most newcomers.
None of Thibs' other prominent rookies spent four years in college like McDermott, and Omer Asik didn't have a resume or skill set even close to Mirotic's when he entered the NBA.
McDermott was not only a four-year player, but a historically great one who consistently filled up the hoop and expanded his repertoire.
The 3,150 points are extremely impressive, along with the 26.7 points per game in 2013-14 and a career 46 percent from three land. But numbers alone won't earn him a big chunk of playing time.
The 6'8" forward's range, scoring versatility, defensive smarts and constant effort will do the trick.
McDermott's elite shooting skills are exactly what the Bulls need after finishing 24th in three-point percentage and 26th in three-point makes during 2013-14. Thibodeau won't let the sniper's talent go to waste. The Bulls have a well-established core that will work hard to keep him involved.
As his shot chart from last year indicates, his effective range is expansive and he can also create plenty of in-between baskets.
If you don't want to put much stock in his 18 points per game during summer league, I don't blame you. It's summer league, for goodness sake (did you see how bad Denver's defense was on his 31-point night?).
What I'd take to heart is McDermott's presence on the USA Select Team and Derrick Rose's appraisal of the prospect.
"He rarely messes up,” Rose told Sam Smith of Bulls.com. “He never pushes the issue, I would say. He never tries things he can’t do. He knows exactly what type of play he wants. For me, I need him because (opposing defenders) can’t leave him."
There's no need to sound alarm bells about his defense. McDermott has the awareness to space himself properly, along with the footwork and hustle to hold his own within Chicago's coordinated unit.
And speaking of that defensive unit, it's going to hide most of McDermott's individual shortcomings. He won't be asked to play heroic defense, just solid fundamental team execution. Although he's an offensive superstar, he also plays with pride on the defensive side.
He'll have to split time with Mike Dunleavy and Tony Snell, but don't be surprised when he emerges as the most valuable small forward—and ultimately the starter.
Unlike rooks before him, he'll see 20-plus minutes per game and consistently put a dent in opposing defenses. McDermott is also poised to score in double figures and make the All-Rookie First Team.
What about Mirotic? He's still viewed as somewhat of an unknown commodity, and many wonder how his European success will translate to the Association.
The 6'10" forward nabbed a slew of accolades with Spain's junior national team and club team Real Madrid, including the 2013 Spanish League MVP and multiple All-ACB Team honors. More impressively, he shot 46 percent from distance in 2013-14 Euroleague play (31 games), including 20.6 points per 40 minutes and 51 percent field-goal shooting.
But like McDermott, Mirotic can't gain a substantial role in the rotation based off a stat sheet. He'll have to make plays on the court, and everyone will quickly learn that he's willing to accommodate.
Mirotic has already been a professional basketball player for six years, and he's got the skills and basketball IQ beyond the vast majority of college standouts.
Watch him carve up opponents with confident outside shooting and timely cuts for high-percentage finishes in the paint. Mirotic runs the floor well, connects with teammates and displays superb defensive timing and effort.
His pick-and-pop prowess will immediately pay dividends, and his tremendous feel for the game will help him jell with his new teammates. Thibodeau can trust him with the ball: Against ACB competition, he committed just 1.8 turnovers per 40 minutes despite being a featured scorer.
While Mirotic won't juke his way past defenders too often, he's got enough maneuverability to counteract the defense en route to drives and low-post baskets.
DraftExpress.com's Mike Schmitz pointed out the forward's defensive awareness and effort. He regards Mirotic as a "smart team defender" who contests shooters and wisely bumps guys rolling to the rim. Schmitz also explains that "he has a strength disadvantage but still works had on the interior."
This doesn't mean he'll thrive as a stopper in the NBA, but it suggests he'll do just fine in Chicago's defense-oriented culture.
Look for his inside-out versatility to boost the Bulls offense as a key reserve. He will see upwards of 20 minutes per game, and more importantly, he'll actually factor into Chicago's playoff picture.
Mirotic might only score 8-10 points per game, but his shooting prowess will help stretch the floor and his size will help in the paint and on the boards. He won't look the part of a typical rookie, as his confidence and intangibles far outstrip most NBA novices.
Between McDermott and Mirotic, the Bulls will owe a good chunk of their 2014-15 production to players who had zero prior NBA experience.
When the franchise finishes a prosperous season and a deep run in the playoffs, the last thing people will say is "Thibodeau hates rookies."
Dan O'Brien covers the NBA and NBA Draft for Bleacher Report.
.jpg?w=600 "Colts Release Kenny Moore")
