Tony Snell Appears To Be Odd Man Out In Chicago Bulls’ Rotation
By Kristen Fazio
@Kristen_Fazio
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
After the Chicago Bulls played their first preseason game, it appears that Tony Snell is the odd man out in the rotation. For whatever reason, it seems as if Snell is in coach Tom Thibodeau‘s doghouse even after having a superb Summer League in Las Vegas.
Not only was he not in the rotation, but he doesn’t appear to be in the Bulls’ future plans either after the team spent a first-round pick on him in 2013. There had been rumors circulating that Snell was on his way out of town, and Thibodeau has already shown confidence in rookies Doug McDermott and Nikola Mirotic, who both have great promise and potential.
Snell didn’t enter the game on Monday against the Washington Wizards until the fourth quarter and only played 12 minutes, scoring two points. There are still seven games left in the preseason, but it’s hard to believe anything will change for Snell in terms of minutes. It is a long fall from when Snell appeared to be primed for a breakout season after Summer League play.
The Bulls used a 10-man rotation with the second unit consisting of Aaron Brooks, Kirk Hinrich, Taj Gibson, McDermott and Mirotic. Jimmy Butler will get the lion’s share of minutes at shooting guard with Hinrich coming off the bench behind him, leaving no significant minutes for Snell.
One of the only knocks on Thibodeau has been his management of the rotation and minutes. He stated previously that a 10-man rotation is ‘hard’ and that it would ‘most likely’ be nine. However, it is difficult to see any of those players being taken out of the rotation. Thibodeau is reluctant to play rookies, but Mirotic and McDermott may force his hand. Brooks provides a Nate Robinson, D.J. Augustin-like dose of instant offense that the Bulls desperately need.
The rotation will sort itself out, but Snell doesn’t appear to be a part of it, whether it is a nine- or 10-man rotation.
5 Realistic 2015 NBA Trade Machine Deals
The NBA trade machine is always good for a couple hours of entertainment, but what are some moves that could actually happen? Read More
Metta World Peace Discusses Affordable Education
In his official blog, Metta World Peace discusses what more affordable education would mean to our society. Read More
NBA's 10 Biggest Game Changers of 2015
These 10 NBA players haven't quite reached the pinnacle of their talents yet. But watch out for in 2015. Read More
Celtics Preparing for Future With Wright Trade
Today’s Brandan Wright trade signals the Boston Celtics are serious about sacrificing the present for the future. Read More
Grizzlies Major Contenders With Addition of Green
According to reports from Adrian Wojnarowski, a deal where Jeff Green goes to the Memphis Grizzlies is just about finalized. Where does this put Memphis in the Western Conference picture? Read More
Celtics Shouldn't Trade Jeff Green Yet
Rumors have been swirling that the Memphis Grizzlies are interested in trading for the Boston Celtics' Jeff Green. However, Boston would be ill-advised to trade their top scorer at this time. Read More
Andre Drummond is a Defensive Force
Taking a look at the Detroit Pistons' Andre Drummond and why he will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come. Read More
Grizzlies Trading for Green is a No-Brainer
Trading for Jeff Green is an absolute must for the Memphis Grizzlies if they want to be serious contenders in 2015. Read More
Chicago Bulls Rumors: Butler Deserves Max Contract
The Chicago Bulls are sitting close to the top of the standings in the Eastern Conference, and Jimmy Butler is a big reason why. Should the Bulls ink Butler to a max contract? Read More
5 NBA Trade Machine Deals That Make Too Much Sense
Approaching the Mar. 1 trade deadline, expect plenty of action as contending teams look to add the final piece to the puzzle. Read More
Mavericks vs. Clippers: Game Preview
The Dallas Mavericks go on the road to take on the Los Angeles Clippers. Which team will come out on top? Read More
Celtics Need To Trade Jeff Green Now
With Rajon Rondo now gone, Jeff Green is the next player to be traded from the Boston Celtics, and Danny Ainge needs to pull the trigger sooner rather than later. Read More