Mirotic praises Rondo as positive influence for young Bulls

Rajon Rondo's history may be full of turbulent relationships with coaches and teammates, but some of his Chicago Bulls colleagues tell a vastly different story about the veteran.

Nikola Mirotic told the Chicago Tribune's K.C. Johnson that Rondo is the best teammate he's ever had, along with Pau Gasol, despite any stories he'd heard.

"I feel so comfortable with him and I think all the young guys do," Mirotic said. "He's very honest. He's talking all the time, supporting before the game, after the game, during the practice. He's always positive. Even if something is not going well, he's trying to help young players. It's been great to have him here."

The comments come after a rough week for the Bulls, when both Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler criticized teammates for "not caring enough." Rondo responded with an Instagram post of his time in Boston with Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett, referencing them as "vets" in the caption, and blasting the leadership in Chicago.

"Before he came here, I didn't know him very well," Mirotic said. "I heard different stories. Like always, people said good things and people said bad things. But I never judge anyone before I meet them.

"As soon as I met him, he was great to me. We had a positive connection with each other. For me, it's a big pleasure to play with him, especially going through the tough times."