Michael Carter-Williams doesn’t address their three-point shooting concerns. But the Bulls welcomed their new backup point-guard candidate Monday as a playmaker who also digs in on defense.
“He’s a two-way player who adds versatility and depth to our backcourt rotation,’’ GM Gar Forman said after completing the deal that sent Tony Snell to the Bucks.
“He’s shown he can get into the ball and defend full court,’’ coach Fred Hoiberg said. “His numbers speak for [themselves] as a scorer, averaging over 14.5 points for his career. [He’s] also a very good rebounder and passer with good vision, averaging 6 and 6 for his career. Just excited to have a long and athletic guard that can play multiple positions.’’
Snell, who never really established himself with the Bulls after being taken 20th overall in 2013, was an expendable backup who wasn’t in the rotation.
Carter-Williams, who was the NBA’s 2014 rookie of the year with the 76ers, lost his starting job in Milwaukee after the Bucks acquired Brandon Knight in February 2015.
If he can get back on track, he not only could be a solid reserve. If Rondo were unavailable. he has the potential to be a capable starter.
“He’s a talented young player,’’ Bulls forward Taj Gibson said. “He’s a point that can really handle the ball and get guys open looks. He can guard. I remember playing against him in the playoffs. He guarded Derrick [Rose] extremely well, especially for his young age. He can bring a lot to the table.’’
Carter-Williams was selected 11th overall selection by the 76ers in the 2013 NBA Draft and was the league’s 2013-14 Rookie of the Year. He was traded to Milwaukee in 2014-15. He is one of just six players who have averaged at least 15 points, five rebounds and six assists in their first two NBA seasons, along with Oscar Robertson, Magic Johnson, Grant Hill, Steve Francis and LeBron James.
The 6-6, 190-pound Carter-Williams, who played at Syracuse, has averaged 14.5 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists in his three NBA seasons.
Snell was the Bulls’ first-round pick (20th overall) in the 2013 draft. He averaged 5.3 points and 2.3 rebounds in 18.5 minutes per game in his three seasons in Chicago.
NOTES: Gibson, Rondo, Dwyane Wade, Jimmy Butler and Robin Lopez will start when the Bulls play Charlotte at the United Center Monday night (7 p.m. CSN).
–Carter-Williams and Denzel Valentine (ankle) will not play.
