1) Chicago Bulls likely to remain with the team post-deadline
Patrick Williams, Forward
The game of the former Florida State Seminoles freshman forward and the reigning ACC Sixth Man of the Year award winner is growing tremendously for the Bulls in the last few weeks. Rookie forward Patrick Williams is showing a lot of growth in his game on both ends of the floor, and hopefully his confidence will continue to improve down the stretch.
There should be a lot of excitement from the Bulls fan base from here on out surrounding what Williams can do in the second half of the season. He’s been an integral piece of the Bulls starting five that helps connect the starting backcourt and an inconsistent frontcourt. Williams is a gifted athlete, capable defender, and an improving shot creator when the ball is in his hands.
For no reason should the Bulls be expecting Williams to be on the move at the trade deadline. Still in the midst of a promising rookie campaign, Williams would likely be considered the most untouchable Bulls player at the deadline this year. For that reason, expect Williams to be a focal point of the team down the stretch.
The counting stats and shooting percentages for Williams so far this season make him look more productive and efficient than the all-encompassing advanced metrics (sitting with a player efficiency rating just above 10.0). But he’s averaged a solid 10.2 points per game, around five rebounds, north of one assist, and around one steal and one block. And Williams shot 47.4 percent from the field, 39.0 percent from beyond the arc, and 78.8 percent from the free-throw line.