I can’t think of any real downsides to Nikola Mirotic signing with the Bucks. He’s, like, a perfect fit for what they’re trying to do. I’ve always thought it was sad that a player like Mirza Teletovic couldn’t stay healthy long enough to get fully unleashed under Budenholzer (seriously he’s probably be averaging 20 or something), but Mirotic offers some of that unabashed three-point bombing.
His arrival comes just in time to solve two minor problems that Milwaukee is facing right now. Problem one is that D.J. Wilson, after an improbable stretch where he looked like not a pumpkin, has turned back into a pumpkin. No problem now, since Mirotic can be plugged right into his rotation spot and offer more than the weird gait, weird hair, and weird shooting form that Wilson brings to the table. Problem two is that Giannis’ knee is acting up right now (he looked so messed up in this game just rest him if he’s going to play like that). That is not a problem that Mirotic can solve by himself, since he is not a doctor and can’t fix knees, and also since he can’t do all the things that Giannis can. That’s not a knock on him; there isn’t a single player who can replace Giannis if he were to get really injured. Maybe a combo of three or four players with Mirotic being one of them. Christian Wood would also have to be part of that combo.
It goes without saying that I am really digging Mirotic in a Bucks uni. He’s just as much of a three-chucker as Brook Lopez, but gets his shot off way quicker and can shoot in way more situations. I’m sure Budenholzer has given him the ultimate green light like he has with everyone on the roster, but unlike lots of those dudes, Mirotic has earned it with his prior play.