In July this year, the Bulls announced that they had re-signed Zach LaVine to another five-year contract worth $215 million. LaVine, who had an average of 24.4 points and 4.6 rebounds last season, has only managed to average 20.9 points this season after playing 16 games and is yet to prove otherwise. Honestly, that’s far less.
DeMar DeRozan has been brilliant, and he has been able to show up in big moments this year. So apart from DeRozan, there’s no other reliable Bulls player who could step in if he were to be out at this point. But third-year forward Patrick Williams is hoping to change that narrative.
There’s no denying that the NBA had put great expectations on Patrick Williams when he was selected number four overall in the 2020 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. So far, those expectations are yet to be fully met.
Patrick Williams in a Bulls jersey 🔥@ATT | @PatrickLW4 pic.twitter.com/hYQfyHSoLf
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 19, 2020
Patrick Williams has improved his play in recent weeks
Beginning his career, Williams looked lost and somehow unfit mentally. But, slowly, he has been turning a corner, and sooner than later, he will be one of the go-to players for the Bulls. He has had quite a spectacular performance in most of his recent games this season.
Aside from yesterday’s game against the Utah Jazz, where he had 5 points after 25 minutes of playtime, in the past four games (before meeting Utah Jazz), the 21-year-old power forward averaged 12.75 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.25 assists.
That is outstanding compared to the 7.1 points and 2.0 rebounds he dropped in his first seven games. Williams is proving that he’s no longer the burdensome forward who would only camp in the corners. Instead, he gets involved in the game by moving into open spaces, setting screens, and even offering assists.
In defense, Williams is looking better than he was a few weeks ago and is capable of attacking guards and forwards. A few days ago, he received a lot of credit after their 113-118 win against the Milwaukee Bucks. Williams gave his all, even stuffing Giannis Antetokounmp at the rim in the surprising win, which wouldn’t have been possible if not for him.
Williams isn’t a Star player yet, but with his recent play, there’s a possibility of this kid being a star soon. Everyone now knows that Williams isn’t that player who takes a sudden leap but makes a few steps at a time.
Patrick Williams was EFFICIENT against Boston.
17 points
6-9 FG
3-4 from three pic.twitter.com/VIcSSoBnPS— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 22, 2022
He’s still working to be the player who once had high expectations put on him
After averaging 9.2 points last season, many people had ruled him out. But Patrick Williams didn’t lose hope. And he’s still confident that he will become a star player for the Chicago Bulls, something the Bulls would love to see happen.
In a recent interview, Williams told reporters he’s happy with where he’s at and added that he’s still working on himself and focused on achieving his dream of being a star for the Chicago Bulls.
“I told you I was going to figure it out. I think I’m still figuring it out. But I’m 100 percent locked in on being the player I want to be. I always felt I had what it took to be a really good player in this league. But now I’m starting to feel like I have what it takes to be a star and a superstar in this league. I’m kind of trying to take that role on and build on it day by day.”
This kind of mentality is not only healthy for Williams but also for the Bulls, who need an outspoken and self-confident player in their roster who also delivers on the court. Most of the stars on the Bulls roster are not that outspoken. LaVine seems the most vocal, but who listens to you if you deliver below expectations?
Patrick Williams is leveling up… pic.twitter.com/4hjvI8n1or
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) August 11, 2021
The Bulls Should Allow Him To Grow
Patrick Williams is slowly developing into the player he wants to be. As such, it’s the responsibility of the Chicago Bulls to allow him to grow and realize his full potential.
But the problem is that all the big boys in the team, DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vucevic, only know how to put the ball in the basket. So the decision on who to give way to Williams becomes a challenge.
What the management can do, though, is call them all at once and inform them of how important it would be to put Williams to the test. If not, he could also be a consistent fourth offensive option to help lessen the burden for the three primary guys. This is one of the best areas where he could fully showcase what he has for the rest of the season.
The only problem is whether he would deliver given the opportunity, though most of his recent games argue in his favor.
Patrick Williams appreciation post. pic.twitter.com/TGhRbbGwO4
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 9, 2022
Photo by Jacob Gralton, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
