Patrick Williams got paid big this season after signing a five-year, $90 million deal with the Bulls. But the 23-year-old can’t even crack the starting lineup as Chicago stumbles into the tournament for the third straight year.
Contract and Performance Disconnect
The gap between Williams’ paycheck and his play has been impossible to ignore. While his contract keeps him in Chicago for the long haul, his production on the court tells a different story. Bulls fans watch in frustration as young players like Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu keep getting better while Patrick Williams seems stuck in place.
Basketball analysts noted throughout the season that Williams represents one of the more unpredictable factors when projecting Bulls games. His game-to-game inconsistency makes him difficult to evaluate, with performances ranging from impactful to nearly invisible.
This inconsistency also made it difficult for sports bettors to place wagers on Williams. The bonus offers, fast payouts, and free bets provided by new sportsbooks made up for this uncertainty.
Role Reduction for Patrick Williams
Williams lost his starting position to rookie Matas Buzelis, a change that sent him to a secondary rotation role. This shift limited both his minutes and overall influence on games. His three-point shooting percentages declined notably, and his defensive intensity waned from previous seasons.
The contrast between his good and bad nights tells the story. In a recent victory over Charlotte, Williams contributed meaningfully from the bench. Yet, against Dallas just days before, he missed all three shot attempts and committed three turnovers in limited playing time.
Psychological Aspects
Bulls coach Billy Donovan focuses extensively on the mental components of Patrick Williams’ game. Standing 6-foot-7 and weighing 215 pounds, Williams possesses the athletic profile to succeed at the NBA level.
The organization dedicated substantial resources toward addressing these psychological barriers. Williams works regularly with Dr. Wendy Borlabi, the team’s performance and mental health director. Donovan also brought in specialist Dr. Kevin Elko specifically to work with Williams on his approach to the game.
Shot Selection Issues
A clear disconnect exists between coaching strategy and Williams’ offensive tendencies. Williams prefers midrange jump shots despite converting only 33% of these attempts during the season. Statistical analysis shows he performs better at the rim and from three-point range, where he shoots 34.3%.
Donovan consistently encourages Williams to drive toward the basket and leverage his physical advantages rather than settling for contested jumpers. Despite acknowledging this guidance, Williams repeatedly returns to familiar but less effective shooting patterns during games.
Persistent Optimism
Despite his basketball challenges, Patrick Williams maintains an unusually positive outlook. He avoids social media commentary about his play and speaks about his struggles as valuable learning experiences.
This steadfast positivity sometimes appears disconnected from his basketball reality. Some within the organization privately wonder if this perpetual optimism prevents Williams from fully addressing his on-court shortcomings.
Postseason Possibilities
As Chicago approaches another postseason as an underdog, Williams might play a more significant role than his regular-season minutes suggest. The Bulls lack depth, which increases the importance of productive bench contributions.
The slower pace typical of playoff basketball could challenge Chicago’s transition-oriented offense. Williams appears likely to attempt more of his preferred midrange shots during these grinding postseason contests, precisely the approach his coaches discourage.
The Bulls’ front office watches closely, knowing both team and player face four more seasons together under the current contract. Finding a path forward that maximizes Williams’s abilities while addressing his inconsistencies remains a top organizational priority heading into another uncertain offseason.
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