Tony Snell just another reminder of Bulls front office missteps

MILWAUKEE — Seeing Bulls 2013 first-round pick Tony Snell start for the Bucks is a reminder of the numerous missteps the front office has made.

But it doesn’t diminish coach Fred Hoiberg’s excitement for him.

“I am really happy for Tony,’’ Hoiberg said. “He was a pleasure to coach. He’s a wonderful kid. He does what’s asked of him. It’s great to see him out there knocking down shots. He did that for us, especially early last season.

“It’s great to see him getting this opportunity and taking advantage of that. He’s a guy I always root for just because of the type of kid that he is.’’

The Bulls traded Snell to the Bucks for Michael Carter-Williams in training camp. Carter-Williams, who has been in and out of the rotation most of the season, will be a free agent this offseason. If he leaves — which is almost certain — no player from the 2013 draft will be on the roster.

In fact, since hitting a grand slam with Jimmy Butler in 2011, the Bulls largely have struck out. They drafted Marquis Teague, who’s out of the league, in 2012. After taking Snell, they drafted Cameron Bairstow and traded two first-round picks for Doug McDermott in ’14. Bairstow is out of the league, and McDermott was traded to the Thunder as part of a deal that returned Cameron Payne, who’s at the bottom of the rotation.

In 2015, the Bulls selected Bobby Portis, who has been up and down in his second year. The jury is still out on ’16 picks Denzel Valentine and Paul Zipser.

The Bucks are happy to have Snell, who’s averaging a career-best 8.5 points per game, shooting 40 percent from three-point range and providing perimeter defense.

The Bulls could use those last two talents these days.

“It was a big trade because that’s somebody that we knew that could fit, that we wanted,’’ Bucks coach Jason Kidd said. “We were able to get him, and to see the way that he’s been getting the opportunity to play, he’s taken full advantage of it.

“His game is built on confidence, and his teammates and coaches have given him confidence. But he does all the hard work.’’

Speaking of which

Carter-Williams said he hasn’t ruled out returning to the Bulls, but he was looking forward to finally having some control over where he plays.

Since winning the Rookie of the Year Award with the 76ers in 2014, Carter-Williams has been traded twice.

“I think it’s definitely something I’m looking forward to,’’ he said when asked about finding a permanent workplace. “I want to feel that comfort where I can get better and be in a good situation, just as any player. I’m a free agent, and I want to be somewhere that really fits me and I’ll try and be in the best situation I can.’’

Follow me Twitter @suntimes_hoops.

Email: jcowley@suntimes.com

Jekyll and Hyde Bulls deliver in must-win game in Milwaukee

Are these Nikola Mirotic’s last games in a Bulls uniform?