Chicago Bulls player reviews: Michael Carter-Williams

We tip off the second week of Chicago Bulls player reviews with Michael Carter-Williams. Will this one be a downright crucifixion or commendation? This can go either way.

Let’s get straight to the basics: Carter-Williams was traded to the Bulls for Tony Snell, chose Derrick Rose’s old but prized No. 1 jersey, then elected to switch in the face of controversy.
It wasn’t a warm welcome from Chicago Bulls fans who still can’t let the former MVP go away easily.

Now that we’re past that stage, let’s talk basketball. The synopsis of this review is quite simple: Michael Carter-Williams is bad.

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The 26-year-old, 6-foot-6 point guard tallied the worst stat line of his career: 6.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 0.8 steals per game. These numbers are indubitably career lows. He also converted a career-worst 36.6 percent of his buckets.

In 19 starts, his plus-minus finished at minus-4.7 with a usage rate of 20.9 percent. As a reserve, however, his plus-minus was measured at an “okay” plus-6.2 with a usage rate of 21.4 percent.

This is a clear indication that the only point guard on this roster capable of being a starter was none other than Rajon Rondo. Unfortunately, with the injuries caused to him Fred Hoiberg was forced to make decisions. It was either MCW or Jerian Grant. Flip-flopping between the two each game was one of the many unsolved puzzles this past season.

With Carter-Williams, it’s not always about his inability to shoot or stay lateral on defense. It’s the way he runs the offense at the point guard position as well.

The way he ran the offense against the Boston Celtics in the first round playoff series led him to commit some very knucklehead turnovers. These turnovers ended up being costly in each game.