After two highly competitive games, the Bulls sit at 1-1 early in preseason play. Some players have impressed, like Zach LaVine, Josh Giddey, Ayo Dosunmu, and surprisingly Julian Phillips. There anre other players like Patrick Williams that have been less impressive. Drawing too many conclusions from two preseason games is a precarious task, but nonetheless, the performances of Williams in particular have to be a bit concerning for Bulls fans. Putting the numbers aside, and judging from the eye test alone, the fifth-year forward seems to have regressed.
One of the more curious moves of the NBA offseason was the decision by the Bulls’ front office to award Williams with a five-year, $90 million contract extension. That the Bulls still have faith in a 23-year old, six-foot-seven wing, with a career three-point accuracy of 41.0% isn’t that surprising. However, that they awarded that same player with the aforementioned contract, after consistently struggling with injuries, and showing little to no improvement through four seasons, is a bit surprising. While many Bulls fans are likely more concerned and invested in the development of other younger, more exciting prospects—like Matas Buzelis—it would still be nice for Williams to show some signs of life. Instead, through two preseason games, Williams is looking like a player who shouldn’t be guaranteed a spot in the regular season rotation.
Bulls’ Fifth-Year Forward Continues to Struggle Through Preseason
Patrick Williams’ First Preseason Game
In 13 minutes of run during the Bulls’ preseason win over the Cavaliers, Williams finished with a stat line of four points, three rebounds, and one assist. While those numbers aren’t eye sores, they aren’t all that impressive either. When you take into account Williams’ efficiency—2-6 from the field, and 0-2 from deep—the numbers look even more hollow. To make matters worse, Williams had by far and away the worst +/- of any Bulls starter. In a four point win, it’s never a good sign when your starting power forward has a +/- of -18. While players like LaVine and Coby White will likely prevent Williams from being counted on as a top option for the Bulls, he still needs to show that he can be counted on for defensive purposes and complimentary offensive support—at the very least.
The Bulls have a crowded front court, with players like Buzelis, Phillips, Jalen Smith and Dalen Terry. Williams’ position isn’t as secure as perhaps it has been in the past. Williams’ sizable contract likely still ensures him a regular role, but his starting spot should not be a guarantee. At least it shouldn’t be if he doesn’t elevate his level of play from what has been seen.
Patrick Williams’ Second Preseason Game
In Williams’ second preseason outing, he again regressed and posted an even uglier stat line. In the Bulls loss to the Grizzlies, Williams posted three points, two rebounds, and two assists, in 18 minutes. Yet again, his efficiency was disastrous, shooting 1-9 from the field and 0-4 from distance. And yet again, Williams was responsible for far and away the worst +/- of any Bulls starter. In fact, in a game in which the Bulls lost by three points, Williams was somehow the only Bulls starter who had a negative +/-.
It’s true that it’s only preseason—early preseason at that. It’s entirely normal for players to go through shooting slumps. But players entering their fifth year, whose developmental trajectory has long stagnated, deserve less grace. Williams will continue to be afforded ample opportunity because of all that the Bulls have invested in him. His preseason struggles are worth monitoring and keeping an eye on though. A big breakout game could be on the horizon, leading to a big breakout season for Williams. Judging off of what we’ve seen so far from Williams, I wouldn’t bet on it.
