Chicago Bulls: 5 Encouraging Signs Under Fred Hoiberg So Far

5. Snelly Cat Starting

With Mike Dunleavy still working to return from back surgery, Hoiberg had two options to start at small forward in his place: Tony Snell and Doug McDermott. While it’s been refreshing to see McBuckets finally get some playing time (more on this in a minute), going with Snell as the starting 3 was the right call.

In the season opener, Snell finished with a modest stat line of 11 points and two rebounds. But he was efficient with his shot, going 4-for-9 from the field and 2-for-5 from three-point range while also providing some solid wing defense in the process. In Chicago’s second game against the Brooklyn Nets, he tallied 10 points and five boards while going 3-for-7 from the floor and 2-for-4 from deep.

Those numbers won’t get Snelly Cat noticed on the fantasy draft boards, but they’re exactly what the Bulls need from him with Dunleavy sidelined. The Bulls are high on Snell as more than a Mike Dunleavy understudy, however, and his potential as a 3-and-D player in just his third season should have Chicago fans optimistic about his future with the team.

Next: No. 4