12.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game on .424/.360/.807 shooting splits. These are PF Nikola Mirotic’s career splits, nothing eye-popping, but solid.
Despite having the NBA’s best record and being the first seed in the East, the Bucks’ front office weren’t content with where they were at and turned end-of-bench options Thon Maker, Jason Smith, and (borderline bust) Stanley Johnson into Nikola Mirotic.
Prior to arriving in Milwaukee, Mirotic was on the New Orleans Pelican(‘t decide on what direction the franchise is heading)s, averaging a solid 16.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game on .447/.368/.842 shooting splits.
Since coming over to Milwaukee and HC Mike Budenholzer’s system, Mirotic has flourished.
In five games, Mirotic is putting up 14.0 points, 5.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists per game. He’s doing this on .520/.424/1.000* splits in just 20.8 minutes per game.
Mirotic’s PPG ranks fifth on the Bucks’, and his 3P% ranks second (behind former ROTY Malcolm Brogdon). Mirotic is widely known for his ability to stretch the floor, hence the nickname “Threekola,” but he adds a new dimension to Milwaukee’s offense that furthers their case as a title contender.
The 28-year-old is currently averaging 6.6 three-point attempts a game in Milwaukee. That’s nearly double the amount of two-point shots per game he averages with the Bucks (3.4).
Currently, the Bucks have nine players on their roster that are converting at or above 36% of their three-point attempts. With the NBA’s increasing emphasis on spacing the floor, the Bucks have not only bought into this philosophy, they’ve walked the talk.
Anything can happen in the playoffs, but the Bucks arguably have the deepest roster in the NBA, one of the best coaches, and one of the best talents.
Having long been the target of memes and slander, the Bucks may hoist a trophy come June.
*Mirotic has attempted and made four free throws so far.