From the opening week of the Chicago Bulls season, it felt like a query of when — not if — Patrick Williams could be pulled from the beginning lineup.
Coach Billy Donovan lastly pulled the set off Friday, changing Williams with Torrey Craig. The change got here solely six video games into Williams’ fourth season with the Bulls.
Although Donovan didn’t verify he would bench Williams till lineups had been introduced, he emphasised pregame that the ahead must make extra out of his minutes — even when they arrive off the bench.
“We need Patrick,” Donovan mentioned earlier than the sport. “Whatever role he is in, he’s got to help our team. Whether he’s starting or coming off the bench, I still think he’s an important piece and component to our team.”
The change appeared to work for Williams, who recorded his greatest efficiency of the season. Williams scored 10 factors and grabbed 5 rebounds. He regarded assured in transition, transferring the ball at a sooner tempo when taking part in with the secondary rotation.
After the sport — a 109-107 loss to the Nets — Williams acknowledged that being moved out of a beginning position motivated him.
“I always carry a chip on my shoulder,” Williams mentioned. “Any chance I get, I’m attacking it. Obviously it gets you going. It’s just basketball, so I can’t go out there with that type of attitude. I just go out there and play basketball.”
Williams’ grip on his minutes started to slide on opening night time. Craig changed Williams in closing rotations within the final 4 video games. Craig made a direct case for himself, sinking a 3-pointer to attain the opening factors Friday.
Donovan hasn’t been dedicated to Williams as a starter for many of the previous yr. He benched Williams in favor of Javonte Green final season however was compelled to return to his authentic lineup when Green suffered a knee damage that lingered for many of the yr. He didn’t title Williams a starter throughout preseason this yr. And when the ahead did win the position on opening night time, Donovan nonetheless made it clear he would shift lineups and rotations on the first signal of hassle.
That got here early for Williams, who went 0-for-4 on 3-point makes an attempt within the home-opening blowout loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder, ending with eight factors, 4 assists and three rebounds. In the final three video games, he slipped additional right into a funk.
Williams went scoreless on the street in opposition to the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons. And regardless of repeated pleas from Donovan and teammates to make the most of his physicality as an asset, Williams nonetheless struggled to claim himself across the rim, averaging solely 3.2 rebounds per recreation.
The ahead’s struggles have been compounded by poor taking pictures. Last season, Williams was the sharpest long-range shooter on the Bulls, averaging 41.5% from 3-point vary. Entering Friday, he was 2-for-16 on 3s, and he made 2 of three makes an attempt in opposition to the Nets.
Confidence has been a key issue for Williams. But with out his shot to assist him discover momentum, it’s clear he has fallen right into a deeper rut on the courtroom.
Williams emphasised he’s attempting to maintain a degree head even whereas his minutes wane.
“I’ve always been a hard worker,” Williams mentioned forward of Monday’s recreation in Indianapolis. “I’m not a guy that goes through something and sits and sulks about it or wants pity or anything like that.”
It’s clear the Bulls are nearing a crossroads with Williams. When they chose him at No. 4 within the 2020 draft, the Bulls believed they might mildew the younger ahead into an explosive two-way risk. But Williams by no means has lived as much as that potential — and time is operating out on his slot in Chicago.
The Bulls didn’t signal Williams to a rookie extension on the deadline final week. He mentioned the looming prospect of free company received’t have an effect on his mentality, however it is going to stay a key issue for his efficiency.
The remainder of this season will function an audition, each for his viability with the Bulls or another roster within the league.
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Source: www.bostonherald.com