The locker room environment of the Chicago Bulls, as most of us would imagine, is a toxic one, especially after the altercation that happened between Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis two days before the team’s season opener. It resulted in an eight-game suspension for Portis for punching Mirotic, who was left to deal with some head injuries.
Bobby Portis is expected to be in the lineup Tuesday against the Toronto Raptors after serving his suspension while Nikola Mirotic remains sidelined as he continues to recover from facial fractures and a concussion.
While Portis had publicly apologized before to Mirotic and had even sent him text messages, it seems that the damaged relationship between the two would need more time to heal than the latter’s injuries. According to Nick Friedell of ESPN, Mirotic is even going to some lengths just to avoid seeing Portis’ face.
Hoiberg said before Saturday's game that Mirotic is in better spirits and has started rehab work in the pool, but he appears to be a long way from being able to play. The larger issue is that up to this point, Mirotic has stayed away from the team, particularly Portis, as the Bulls try to juggle practice time so that Mirotic can use the Bulls' facility when there isn't a chance that Portis will be around.
Clearly, Nikola Mirotic has yet to forgive his teammate. This has already been made apparent before by Mirotic, who’s making the Bulls choose who between him and Portis should the team keep.
If anything, the saga authored by Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis has bought ample time for rookie Lauri Markkanen to showcase his talents right away. Markkanen is making early headway for the Rookie of the Year race, as he is averaging 16.3 points and 9.0 rebounds per game this season. It remains to be seen how Portis’ return would affect Markkanen’s minutes.
Follow Us
Subscribe