Nikola Mirotic had an uneven 2014. He played well when on the court, but he was not on the court as much as he expected. As he enters a new season with a new coach, he is looking for a bigger role and better times in 2015.

Nikola Mirotic had a pretty good season in 2014. He ultimately finished second in the NBA Rookie of the Year voting.

Even so, he felt he could have done better.

Mirotic averaged 10.2 points, 4.9 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game. The trouble was, he only averaged 20.2 minutes per game.

Former Chicago Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau abhorred using rookies. He felt they just needed to get a little work in and they should prepare themselves for their second year.

In Mirotic, however, he had a player who was playing professionally since he was seventeen years old. Even though Thibodeau did not feel the European game was not as good as the NBA, he had SIX years of professional play under his belt that no other rookie had.

Of course, playing with uneven minutes, Mirotic had his ups and downs. He could play great one game, then look lost in five minutes the next.

Now entering his second season with the Bulls, and his second coach, Mirotic is planning for a bigger role on the team, and having more success on the court.

Mirotic spoke to Hoopshype (link taken from Bulls.com), telling them that the best Mirotic was yet to come.

Some people may have been surprised with my performance, but those who know me know the best Mirotic is yet to come. The expectations grow year by year, I know that. I have many things to improve, both offensively and defensively. But that’s normal for any young and ambitious guy. I’ve always liked to put in the work and make strong decisions. Next year I guess I’m going to have more of a featured role with the team and that’s just another motivation to work extra hard so when the team needs me I’m ready to deliver.

Mirotic showed last season that when he had more minutes, he came through. In March, he averaged 30.8 minutes per game. He scored 20.8 points per game, and led all NBA players in scoring in the fourth quarter.

Now with Fred Hoiberg as the Bulls’ coach, Mirotic should have a bigger role. Hoiberg uses a heavy catch-and-shoot type offense, and even though his shooting was not up to his standards, Mirotic should open up offensively in this system. The floor will be more open, allowing him and other shooters space to let the shots go.

Hopefully, with Mirotic, Mike Dunleavy and Doug McDermott shooting well, it will allow Jimmy Butler and Derrick Rose to penetrate the inside, getting easy shots at the basket, or drawing the defense, allowing the shooter to do their thing.

Expect bigger things from Mirotic in 2015. He may even follow Butler as winner of the Most Improved Player of the Year if, indeed, the best of him is yet to come. The Chicago Bulls and their fans certainly hope it happens.