After missing nearly a month of action, Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams is set to resume play in the coming days. Williams originally sat out Chicago's November 20th affair against the Milwaukee Bucks as a precaution due to swelling and discomfort in his surgically repaired left foot.
However, the pain and swelling never subsided, forcing the 23-year-old forward to miss extended time. Williams has missed 10 games since the initial diagnosis. Without their starting forward in the rotation, Chicago has won four of its last 10 games, most recently losing back-to-back efforts against the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers.
In the meantime, Williams had been ramping up his return starting December 4. The fifth-year forward began by participating in individual drills. A week later, Williams participated fully in a non-contact practice, foreshadowing a return in the near future.
Bulls went short but scrimmaged hard today. Coby White said Patrick Williams was “great” and teammates were talking about how they forgot how strong he is. White said Williams was “super aggressive” and got to his spots and got downhill a lot.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 11, 2024
Then, on December 11, Williams participated in full-contact scrimmages. The 6-foot-8 wing received rave reviews from teammates following the morning practice session. Coby White uttered an intriguing sentiment that Bulls fans would love to hear.
White pointed out Williams' aggressiveness upon his return to the hardwood, going on to say that the former fourth-overall pick "got to his spots and got downhill a lot." Hearing anything about Williams' assertiveness on offense is satisfying. Despite playing four-plus seasons in the NBA, the 23-year-old has yet to reach his seemingly sky-high potential that made him a top 5 draft pick.
Nevertheless, it's encouraging that Williams is back at practice and competing in scrimmages for the first time in over 20 days. After practicing today, Williams will likely suit up for Friday's contest against the Charlotte Hornets. If not Friday, the fifth-year wing's next opportunity will come on Monday in a battle against the Boston Celtics.
Everybody participated in scrimmage, per Bulls PR. Josh Giddey left a bit early with some back tightness. https://t.co/eOCltT7ASU
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) December 11, 2024
While Williams was the only notable injured Bull, it remains encouraging that every player competed in Wednesday's scrimmage. Only one player, Josh Giddey, left the scrimmage early due to back tightness. But it doesn't appear his injury is noteworthy, likely only a precaution.