Is there something wrong with Nikola Mirotic this year? Or is there something wrong with Fred Hoiberg? Because it has to be one of the two. One of the two has to be to blame for Nikola’s semi-struggles this year. Blame must be allocated. To one or both of them.
It’s easy to say Fred Hoiberg is to blame, but keep in mind, his name is not Tom Thiobdeau. He might have his own problems with rotations and minutes and stuff, but he is not hating on Nikola for no reason like Thibs did. If Nikola is struggling, he rightfully reallocates playing time.
It’s also easy to say Nikola is to blame. After all, it’s his stats that are inconsistent. Have teams figured out his pump-fake that he uses to do everything? Perhaps a new go-to move is in order. Has he tried dunking it? He should try dunking it.
I have no answers, because as a Bucks fan I am still salty about that playoff beatdown and can’t really bear to watch the Bulls.