Nov. 21--SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- The Bulls' season-high, seven-game trip continued with Thursday night's late tipoff against the Kings, and Pau Gasol's absence to a strained left calf offered Nikola Mirotic another opportunity.
"The longest trip in Spain was three days, maybe two games," Mirotic said of his overseas professional experience. "Usually it was just one game. So this is, for me, a new experience."
In that regard, it's just one of many for the rookie who continues to soak up each off-the-court experience with wide-eyed excitement. On the court, Mirotic remains all business, albeit a player on a steep learning curve.
"I'm playing European basketball. When I see somebody open, I always try to pass to him," Mirotic said. "I know maybe I need to shoot a little bit more. Coach has confidence in me. That's very important."
Mirotic had scored just five points in six games before he took advantage of Gasol's first missed game Monday in Los Angeles to tie his season-high with 12 points. The game featured a more aggressive Mirotic, who knocked down a 3-pointer and also scored on an up-and-under move that showcased his skill level.
"They want that," Mirotic said of his aggressive approach. "I'm here for that. So I need to be ready. A lot of people think I can just shoot. I can put the ball on the floor. I can be a good passer, rebound and run the floor."
That is, when he gets the opportunity. Simply put, if Gasol, Joakim Noah and Taj Gibson all are healthy, Mirotic will be a situational player. Coach Tom Thibodeau has stated he doesn't want Mirotic guarding small forwards.
Thibodeau added something even more fundamental.
"Niko is playing behind three really good players and, right now, they're a lot better than he is," Thibodeau said.
This isn't tough love. Thibodeau has praised Mirotic and fellow rookie Doug McDermott at almost any opportunity. He likes their practice habits, their film study habits and their talent. But with Mirotic only able to match up defensively against power forwards or centers, playing time will be scarce.
Either way, Mirotic can handle the heat. This isn't a player who shies from coaching.
"It doesn't matter if I play five or 15 minutes. Of course, everybody wants to play more. But I just need to work hard and keep learning," he said. "These are good chances for me but the most important thing is to win the game.
"We know we need Pau and Derrick. They're most important for our team. The good thing is we know how to win without them. But to do something special, of course we need them. We hope they play soon."
After scoring seven points with five rebounds in 18 foul-plagued minutes Thursday night, Mirotic has played 15 or more minutes six times. Only one of those performances -- Nov. 5 at Milwaukee -- produced a real clunker.
"He has been aggressive the times he has had that opportunity and played well," Gasol said. "Obviously, with me out, he gets more playing time and more confidence."
And perhaps more shots, which Thibodeau reminds Mirotic of on almost a daily basis.
"In this league, it's critical to know when to shoot and when to pass," Thibodeau said. "If you're passing up an open shot, you usually end up with a much tougher shot. He's a very unselfish guy. He's learning. Come in each day and make the necessary corrections and move forward."
Indeed, on Friday night it's on to Portland, the next city in Mirotic's never-ending learning experience.
Layups: Derrick Rose missed his third straight game with his strained left hamstring and his absence likely will extend into next week. ... Gasol on his injury: "It's something I still feel. So we're just trying to make sure we don't have any major setbacks."
kcjohnson@tribpub.com
Twitter @kcjhoop
