Chicago Bulls: 3 reasons Patrick Williams could be Rookie of the Year

3) Why Chicago Bulls F Pat Williams can win ROY

Mixed competition from other lottery picks in this class

There was definitely no solid No. 1 pick at the top of this draft class in 2020. The Bulls knew that they were likely to see the likes of point guard LaMelo Ball, center James Wiseman, and shooting guard Anthony Edwards be the first three prospects off the board ahead of them in the lottery. But the real question was where the Bulls would go with their fourth overall pick.

Popular considerations for the Bulls were the former Maccabi Tel Aviv shooting guard/wing Deni Avdija, Iowa State point guard Tyrese Haliburton, and Auburn small forward Isaac Okoro, among a few others. Williams was not really considered a legitimate option for the Bulls ahead of draft night. That just goes to show how close to the chest Karnisovas played the draft scouting process.

Wiseman and Edwards could certainly be solid candidates to win the Rookie of the Year honors this season, but neither the Golden State Warriors nor the Minnesota Timberwolves stand on solid ground right now. Ball also will be taking to a growth process in all likelihood with the Charlotte Hornets, as he’ll battle it out for playing time in the backcourt rotation alongside breakthrough former Kansas Jayhawks point guard Devonte’ Graham.

Moreover, there are other candidates worth noting in the race to win Rookie of the Year. That list includes the likes of New York Knicks forward Obi Toppin, Detroit Pistons point guard Killian Hayes, and Sacramento Kings point guard Haliburton. Williams could find himself in a nice position in the race for this award this season if he continues to get starter level minutes.