Chicago Bulls: Spoelstra says Patrick Williams will be ‘great two-way’ player
As part of the Team USA Select squad this summer, the Chicago Bulls rookie forward Patrick Williams is getting some more attention around the NBA landscape. P-Will had a solid rookie campaign with the Bulls, earning himself the nod for All-Rookie Second-Team.
The well-respected Miami Heat head coach and two-time NBA Champion Erik Spoelstra had some kind words for Williams in the midst of camp for the Team USA Select squad this month. On the matter of Williams, Spoelstra reportedly touched on his two-way potential and a brief tidbit on what he’s seen from the former Florida State Seminole forward’s game so far.
Spoelstra mentioned that Williams “is set up in the future to be a great two-way basketball player”. And that he is “able to defend virtually everybody on the floor, whatever your scheme may be”.
HC Erik Spoelstra lauding Chicago Bulls F Patrick Williams
Erik Spoelstra on @chicagobulls Patrick Williams:
— Sean Deveney (@SeanDeveney) July 7, 2021
"He is set up in the future to be a great two-way basketball player, to be able to defend virtually everybody on the floor, whatever your scheme may be. "
Spoelstra himself coaches an uber-talented two-way wing/forward and former Bulls star in Jimmy Butler with the Heat. These two got the Heat all the way to the NBA Finals in the bubble at Disney World last year, so the words of Spoelstra should be taken to heart for Williams this summer.
A few of the other notable names that were picked for the Team USA Select squad this summer are Minnesota Timberwolves shooting guard Anthony Edwards, Sacramento Kings point guard Tyrese Haliburton, and Heat guard Tyler Herro.
Williams is set to be the youngest player on this team too. This should be a great learning experience for him heading into his second season with the Bulls.
During his rookie campaign, Williams averaged 9.2 points per game, 4.6 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 steals, and 0.6 blocks. And he shot 48.3 percent from the field, 39.1 percent from beyond the arc, and 72.8 percent from the free-throw line.
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The Bulls finished up the 2020-21 regular season with a record of 31-41 under the direction of first-year head coach Billy Donovan. This season saw Williams become one of the most versatile and capable defenders on this Bulls team.