With the fourth overall pick in the 2020 draft, Chicago selected forward Patrick Williams from Florida State. As the highest draft pick for Chicago since former MVP Derrick Rose, Williams had high expectations. However, in four seasons, he hasn’t proven to be anything more than a streaky role player offensively and an undisciplined presence defensively.
The Bulls, now with a still-new front office and aspirations to return Chicago to its former glory, have a choice to make. Does Chicago trust the process with Patrick Williams or turn the page and move on?
Is It Time for Chicago to Move On From Patrick Williams?
In college, Williams served as FSU’s sixth man, well enough so to win ACC Sixth Man of the Year as a freshman. His large frame and versatile physicality made him an intriguing prospect in the 2020 NBA Draft. There was positivity that Williams would be a dynamic defender with his strength and length. He wasn’t a go-to scorer, but there was certainly promise that he could grow into one as he entered the league.
A Slow Start
In his rookie season, Williams averaged 9.2 points and 4.6 rebounds in 27 minutes per game, solid for a young rookie with raw talent. His efficiency that season was at an encouraging 48.3% from the field and 39.1% from three. While these numbers weren’t outstanding for a fourth-overall pick, Williams definitely showed potential to grow into a solid NBA player.
Injured in Year 2
In the fifth game of his second season, Williams suffered a wrist injury that would result in him missing 65 games. In the 17 games he played, his numbers stayed nearly identical to his prior season. He averaged 9.0 points and 4.1 rebounds, but also shot above 50% both from the field and from deep.
Williams’ wrist injury was an unexpected accident, so it wasn’t something for Chicago to be weary of going into his third season. The hope was for the young forward to return healthier and ready to take his next step as a player.
Williams’ Disappointing Development
Williams’ third season saw him play all 82 games at a career-high 28.3 minutes, while also starting in 65 games. His heightened role surely would mean improved production, right? Right?
Wrong. In his increased role, Williams only averaged 10.2 points and 4.0 rebounds, again almost identical to his first two seasons.
This is when the frustrations started. Nobody was expecting Williams to go be Chicago’s leading scorer considering the Bulls had DeMar DeRozan, Zach LaVine, and Nikola Vučević. But there was an expectation that their starting power forward would contribute a little more than what Williams was contributing.
This season, Chicago has seen more of the same from Williams: 10 points and 3.9 rebounds. On top of that, Williams is also struggling with injuries. His career has been a broken record of mediocrity from a formerly-promising fourth-overall pick.
Uninspired and Hesitant Play
One of the most frustrating things about Williams is his failure to utilize his intimidating stature. Williams has often drawn comparisons to Kawhi Leonard, a large scoring wing with elite defense. In fact, a common nickname you may hear for Williams is “The Paw”, an homage to Leonard’s “The Klaw”. However, the comparison finds its peak at the nickname.
Despite his large frame and 6’11” wingspan, Williams plays with a major lack of aggression. He consistently gives up opportunities to drive on smaller defenders, often bailing himself out of scoring by dishing out at the last second. Williams shoots barely over eight times per game, a frustratingly low number for someone with such a physical advantage over most defenders.
It seems as if Williams’ hesitant style of play is just one part of his unimpressive basketball IQ. In instances where Williams keeps the ball, he often makes mistakes that a four-year player shouldn’t make. Mistakes like lazy passes and dribbling off his own foot drive Bulls fans crazy.
*I (almost) feel mean for posting this*
But almost every game, Patrick Williams has a live-ball turnover that comes when he drives left.
Had one last night vs. the Heat, but it's been a common trait in his game all season.
The handles need real work. pic.twitter.com/mcsaMHqukI
— Mark K (@mkhoops) November 21, 2023
On a positive note, Williams’ willingness to take on defensive matchups against other large wings does give him value defensively. Williams is often tasked with guarding opposing teams’ best players. There have been stretches in his career where he has shown elite defense in isolation.
The Last Word: Should Chicago Move On?
After not working out an extension this past summer, Williams is set to become a restricted free agent after this season. Chicago could give him the qualifying offer for just under $13 million next season or see what the trade market is for Williams. Can the Bulls afford to continue to be disappointed by Williams?
For top-five picks who disappoint in their first few seasons, a change of scenery is sometimes what they need to turn things around. Chicago’s best bet may be to find a team willing to bolster their wing depth and trade for the 22-year-old forward. Just like other former Chicago draft picks like Lauri Markannen and Wendell Carter, Jr., Williams could benefit from a new system and environment.
Drafting players in the lottery, especially top-five, often locks teams into committing to the development of those players. But when that development doesn’t happen, it puts teams into a tough limbo. If Chicago chooses to move on and trade Patrick Williams, they could free themselves from the limbo and gain more clarity of what the future holds.
