Nikola Mirotic turns in best performance of season vs. Russian team

Euroleague star and Chicago Bulls prospect Nikola Mirotic played his best game of the 2012 season for Real Madrid, according to Nick Gibson of Sheridan Hoops, scoring 17 points on 7-of-8 shooting and adding eight rebounds in the winning effort.

What was most encouraging about Mirotic's performance, however, was the big man's comfort level on the court. Writes Gibson, Mirotic looked "more comfortable than he had all year long."

Mirotic was the 23rd overall selection in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets but was quickly traded to the Chicago Bulls. At 21 years old, Mirotic is not expected to join the NBA until the 2014-2015 season, but given his potential, his arrival is highly anticipated amongst the Bulls organization.

Mirotic has won two consecutive Rising Stars Awards in the Euroleague, an accolade given to the best player under the age of 22, and he is expected to win the award again this season.

Gibson writes that as the 6'10 Mirotic continues to steadily develop his skills, his potential for greatness has become clear and is now what is expected of him in the Euroleague.

Mirotic's tire treads have somehow gripped onto that very rare, fast, lubricated track toward Euroleague greatness, to the point where even leveling off at really good would be viewed as a huge disappointment. Most valuable prospect, no more; it's MVP time for Mirotic

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