Taj Gibson scored 12 points with six rebounds and two steals in the Bulls’ 108-104 preseason loss to the Hornets on Monday, and beat writer Sam Smith said he is almost certain to start at power forward on Opening Night.

Gibson outplayed Nikola Mirotic and now Mirotic has a minor back ailment to help seal the deal.  The minute distribution shouldn’t change too much and Mirotic’s shooting will still be needed, but the sharpshooter’s inability to be consistent was one of the reasons last year’s ‘Mission Accomplished’ banners from Week 1 were hilarious.  Gibson will be a late-round value for the most part and Mirotic is still worth drafting in the mid-to-late rounds — and probably the late rounds.