Dec. 05--The Chicago Bulls put Nikola Mirotic through his paces during Saturday's shootaround in an effort to determine if the forward can play against the Charlotte Hornets at the United Center.
Mirotic, who suffered a concussion during the Bulls' game against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night, launched long-range jumpers in quick succession as part of the NBA's concussion protocol. After the shootaround, coach Fred Hoiberg said it will be a game-time decision as to whether Mirotic will play against the Hornets.
"Niko is going through the protocol right now," Hoiberg said. "He had some activity (Saturday) and we'll see how he progresses. He'll have some testing at the arena to do (Saturday night) and then we'll make the determination if he can go or not.
"This is the first concussion that we've dealt with and obviously he has to go through the protocol and we'll see how he progresses. But he feels good." Hoiberg added.
Mirotic is averaging 12 points and 6.3 rebounds per game this season.
Hoiberg said guard Kirk Hinrich "should be good to go barring any type of setback (Saturday) afternoon." Hinrich has missed two consecutive games with a left hip pointer.
Hinrich is averaging 8.4 points per game in limited action this season.
