It appears Nikola Mirotic – the 6-10 stretch power forward acquired by New Orleans from Chicago – will make his Pelicans debut in tonight's game with the Timberwolves at Target Center.
It's an 8 p.m. start, of course.
Mirotic was acquired to fill – as much as possible -- the enormous hole created when DeMarcus Cousins was lost for the season with a torn Achilles heel.
In his fourth season – Mirotic played for current Wolves coach Tom Thibodeau as a rookie in Chicago – he is averaging a career-highs in scoring (16.8), rebounds (6.4) and assists (1.6). He is shooting 42.9 percent on three-pointers.
How will he fit in with the Pelicans?
" He'll do really well,'' Wolves forward Taj Gibson said. Gibson and Jimmy Butler were Mirotic's teammates in Chicago.
"The way he plays, he can flourish in any system, as long as he gets his opportunity. I think it was a good move for New Orleans. To lose such a talented player like [Cousins], but then to pick up a player like Mirotic, that sends a strong message they're trying to compete for a playoff spot.''
Said Thibodeau: "He's a terrific player. Very talented. They way they shoot and score, I think he's a good fit. He's smart, skilled. He can put it on the floor, shoot the three, he creates space for people.''
