How latest Patrick Williams injury news will alter Bulls’ end-of-season strategy

Does (another) setback make things simpler or more complicated?
Dec 4, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA;  Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) reacts during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images
Dec 4, 2022; Sacramento, California, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams (44) reacts during the second quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-Imagn Images | Stan Szeto-Imagn Images

Any negative report concerning Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams will not come as a shock to people who follow the team.

The No. 4 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft has been—it's fair to use the word at this point—a bust. Through his first four-plus seasons, Williams has averages of 9.6 points and 4.1 rebounds. His only saving grace thus far is his 39.5 percent career shooting from deep.

While his physical traits point to a starting-caliber, versatile 3-and-D forward, that's far from what he's developed into.

To make matters worse, one of the current front office regime's many mistakes was handing him a five-year, $90 million extension after four underwhelming seasons.

The latest news surrounding the 23-year-old, however, will only cause Chicago further disappointment.

Bulls' Patrick Williams to miss at least two more weeks with knee injury

Chicago is a franchise that needs its young players on the court as much as possible to gauge their long-term potential, if they have any. Williams certainly seems tapped out, but as long as he's still with the Bulls, head coach Billy Donovan may as well keep tossing him out there and praying for a miracle.

Unfortunately, that won't be the case; not at least for another two weeks.

Williams only played 17 games in his second season and just 43 last year. He's been in and out of Donovan's lineup in 2024-25 as he's dealt with more nagging injuries and inconsistency, which has relegated him to a bench role in favor of rookie Matas Buzelis.

Considering he'll likely be around for another four years, even if he doesn't show any individual improvement, it would be helpful to see how Williams fares playing alongside Buzelis, Jalen Smith, Julian Phillips and other young potential building blocks.

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