March 13--CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The day before the Bulls unveiled their prize offseason acquisitions in successive mid-July news conferences, a photo of Pau Gasol and Nikola Mirotic together at O'Hare landed on the team's social media platforms.
"Of course, when I was in Madrid, I followed his career a lot," the amiable Mirotic said of Gasol late Wednesday in Philadelphia. "But I never met him until that day. I felt a connection with him right away.
"It's a dream for me because when I signed with Chicago, I didn't know Pau was coming. When they told me, I was like, 'Oh my God.' He was such a big help at the beginning. I feel lucky. I'm young so I know I have to improve a lot. And I feel that I'm in the perfect situation."
Much has been made of Mirotic following a similar path to the one Gasol traveled when he left Spain to play for the Grizzlies in 2001. And Mirotic is quick with a compliment when asked how Gasol has helped him, both on and off the court.
Subtle or not, there's something telling about that July 2014 photo. And that's the ease and confidence with which Mirotic looks into the camera, acting as much peer as pupil alongside Gasol.
Mirotic, who turned 24 in February, is an NBA rookie. But like Gasol 14 years ago, he's one with legitimate, big-time professional overseas experience.
"I have played in a lot of finals with Real Madrid. I took a lot of important shots, last shots for the team. So I really don't feel pressure when I play in the fourth quarter," Mirotic said more matter-of-factly than boastfully. "I know this league is a big difference. But I still feel comfortable."
This has been borne out in Mirotic's latest and biggest opportunity. Beyond his third career NBA start against the 76ers when Joakim Noah proved a late scratch, Mirotic's role has expanded greatly since Taj Gibson went down Feb. 27 with his latest sprained ankle.
Over those seven games, Mirotic is averaging 20.1 points with his career-high of 29 versus the Clippers. That includes a fourth-quarter scoring average of 9.6.
No wonder Gasol downplayed his influence on Mirotic's success.
"He knows how to play," Gasol said. "He can play closer (to the basket) when he has a small forward guarding him. When he has a power forward, I tell him to go outside and get your shot fakes and penetrate, use your quickness. I try to give him advice when I can."
Mirotic gladly accepts it.
"He's European and everything I'm going through right now, he did 14 years ago," Mirotic said. "He knows for me it's tough. We have a good relationship. Every practice, every game, any question I have, I always ask Pau. I'm learning from him. He has a lot of experience. This is a new league for me so he is a big help.
"European basketball and NBA basketball are totally different, especially when you're a rookie. It's crazy how many adjustments you have to make. All the small details are so important. So I follow his example."
With Gibson out again Friday and Noah questionable, Mirotic's role versus the Hornets will be significant.
"This is a big time for me right now. I'm playing more minutes and with more confidence. That's my role right now," he said. "The only thing I'm thinking about is trying to help us win games. I know they need me because we have a lot of players who are injured. I'm playing good but I make a lot of mistakes too. That's normal. I don't want to stop right now. I'm going through a very nice moment."
kcjohnson@tribpub.com
