2) Bold predictions for Chicago Bulls F Patrick Williams
He becomes Billy Donovan’s favorite forward to use
At least through the first two games of the preseason slate, Williams and combo guard Tomas Satoransky have become the favorites of Donovan in terms of usage off the bench. Sato and Williams are combining for around 50 minutes per game off the bench in the split home series against the Rockets last weekend.
If Williams continues to show a good spark in his game early in his rookie campaign, his role with the Bulls should only continue to expand heading into the regular season. Williams looked like a reach during draft night for Karnisovas and the Bulls, but the early signs are looking good for him with this rebuild in its fourth year.
A patient approach was, and will be, needed in the case of following Williams’ development early in his NBA career. He was one of the youngest prospects in this draft class, and the overall youngest picked in the lottery. He won’t even turn 20 years old until likely after the end of his rookie season.
Moreover, with how Donovan likes to use bigger and more athletic two-way forwards in his schemes on both ends of the floor, the chances that Williams is a great system fit are high. Some additional space that Williams had to work with as a tertiary ball handler on the perimeter in his first two preseason games did wonders for his shooting efficiencies. He also looked good as a one-on-one defender in that span of games last weekend.