Before Nikola Mirotic was traded by the Chicago Bulls to the New Orleans Pelicans, he wasn't a particularly popular member of the organization.

The front office reportedly couldn't wait to trade Mirotic and some of his teammates weren't particularly bothered when he was punched in the face by Bobby Portis.

“I’ll say this about Niko: He was unbelievable throughout everything,” coach Fred Hoiberg said. “I loved the opportunity to coach Niko. What he did when he got back from the injury last year and helped us in that seven-game win streak, you know he was playing great basketball. I give him all the credit in the world and everyone involved with what happened last year. A lot of credit for not letting that affect the team.

“Niko was great. Fun guy to coach, and he was obviously skilled in a lot of different ways. I’m happy he’s having a lot of success in New Orleans.’’