Could a sub-.500 winning percentage be considered a success for the Chicago Bulls in 2024-25? The answer isn't a raucous yes, but after several key departures in the offseason and a campaign marred by trade rumors, winning 35-plus games, securing a play-in spot, and witnessing the stark improvement of numerous young players classifies as a definitive yes.
It's even likely the Bulls will surpass the 35-win plateau. Chicago has 33 wins with eight contests remaining. While the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers present challenging tasks, the Bulls will host the Toronto Raptors, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, and Washington Wizards over the next two weeks. Moreover, Chicago will travel to take on the Charlotte Hornets and Philadelphia 76ers. A 39-43 finish isn't out of the realm of possibility.
While several Bulls have enjoyed post-All-Star breakouts, namely Matas Buzelis, Josh Giddey, Coby White, and the three trade deadline acquisitions, the same cannot be said for the entire roster. Patrick Williams, who notably signed a five-year, $90 million extension with the Bulls last offseason, has seen his point production decrease every month.
The Bulls' questionable decision to extend Williams will continue to haunt them
In November, the 6-foot-7 forward averaged 11.2 points and shot above 40 percent from the field and beyond the arc. Four months later, in March, Williams is averaging 7.0 points while shooting 42.2 percent from the floor and 29.4 percent from three in only 21.3 minutes per game.
The Florida State product has transitioned into a bench role and has maintained the role for the past 19 games. If his declining play wasn't enough indication, 20-year-old Buzelis' improvement has likely pushed Williams to the bench for the foreseeable future. There exists a hole at the small forward slot, but the 23-year-old's inconsistent shooting stroke isn't the best fit for Billy Donovan's space and pace offense.
Furthermore, Williams' defense isn't enough to stand out on a mediocre Bulls squad. Aside from being a former top-five pick who earns $18 million, there's not much evidence to reinsert Williams back into the starting lineup. His future role is, at best, a sixth or seventh man who can knock down catch-and-shoot triples and defend multiple positions.
A rotation player isn't necessarily a bad thing. Williams has a solidified role, and he's well-paid. However, the thought of what he could have become always looms. That comes with being the fourth-overall pick, selected ahead of Deni Advija, Devin Vassell, Tyrese Haliburton, and Tyrese Maxey. Not only is his draft positioning damning, but his untapped potential has also continuously left fans, pundits, and those around the NBA wanting more from the 6-foot-7, 215-pound wing.
As the 2024-25 NBA season comes to a close, Sam Vecenie and Bryce Simon of the Game Theory Podcast gave a rundown of the worst 2024 offseason moves. Of course, the duo listed the Bulls' to re-sign Wiliams for five years as the fourth worst move last summer. The cristicim is fair, but it doesn't, and won't stop anytime soon.
Chicago's decision to re-up Williams was only better than the Sacramento Kings' sign-and-trade for DeMar DeRozan, the New Orleans Pelicans' trade for Dejounte Murray, and the Philadelphia 76ers decision to sign Paul George and extend Joel Embiid.
The pair of NBA pundits offered similar reactions to Chicago's decision to re-sign Williams as the rest of us. The decision was questionable from the beginning. Williams' four years prior was certainly not convincing of $90 million. Yes, still being 22 at the time of the contract extension helped, but that's about it. Potential and nothing else. Williams has continued to be the same player, and after nearly five seasons, that's unfortunately to be expected.