The Chicago Bulls received troubling news a few hours before taking the court against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. Following reports that starting power forward Patrick Williams was staying in Chicago due to left foot inflammation, it later emerged that Williams would miss an extended period of time.
Williams could be out for even longer than Head Coach Billy Donovan anticipates. Donovan provided a "week or so" timeline. However, this is the same foot on which Williams underwent surgery less than a year ago. The 23-year-old was able to make it back before training camp, but inflammation at this early juncture in the season could spell trouble down the road.
To add insult to injury, Williams' diagnosis came on the heels of competing against the Bucks. Williams is by far and away the Bulls' best wing defender, thus forcing Chicago to take on Giannis Antetokounmpo without a capable opposition.
Without Williams in the lineup, several reserves came to mind when pondering a potential replacement. First and foremost, Chicago's lottery pick—Matas Buzelis. Although Buzelis hadn't seen much action this season, it'd be expected for the rookie to see ample playing time in Williams' absence. Second and third are recent draftees Dalen Terry and Julian Phillips, who've each seen quality minutes as reserves.
Torrey Craig fills-in admirably for the injured Williams
Nonetheless, the coaching staff felt a veteran would most viably replace their injured power forward. Donovan trotted out eight-year veteran Torrey Craig alongside the usual starters. Prior to last night's affair, Craig had only appeared in three games and spent a mere 17 minutes on the court.
Despite the questionable replacement, Craig performed remarkably well. The 33-year-old wing started hot, scoring Chicago's first points of the night. It didn't take long for the veteran to score again—he drilled a three-pointer less than two minutes later. Craig finished the first quarter with seven points and a rebound, besting his season-long point total in six minutes of action.
Craig's impact on the box score was less evident in the second quarter. He tallied a rebound, assist, and steal in another six minutes of playing time. However, his third-quarter performance was reminiscent of his first. Craig notched eight points, including a three-pointer to cut Milwaukee's lead to one point with four minutes to go in the third. Craig reentered the game in the fourth, recording a rebound, assist, and a block.
Torrey Craig is DIALED IN. pic.twitter.com/W94KqRWQQ9
— Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) November 21, 2024
The 33-year-old finished the night with 15 points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block. Despite losing by 16 points, Torrey ranked third on the team, recording a plus/minus of minus-2 on the evening.
While the counting stats were impressive for a player whose season minutes total was outdone in one game, it's even more notable how Craig faired defending Antetokounmpo. The 6-foot-5 wing defended the Greek Freak for roughly seven minutes. While defending Antetokounmpo, he held the Milwaukee star to six points and forced a turnover. Giannis converted on three of five field goals when matched up with Craig.
Craig might not have been the sexiest choice, but the coaching staff's decision to choose him speaks volumes about his professionalism and readiness. For what it's worth, Craig's alternatives, Buzelis, Phillips, and Terry, combined for 16 points, five boards, and one assist. Going forward, expect the Bulls' to continue starting the defensive-minded eight-year veteran until proven otherwise.