When the Chicago Bulls selected power forward Patrick Williams with the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, hopes were sky-high. Fast forward to his fifth season with the team, and it’s evident that the journey has not been as smooth as anticipated. Williams is still grappling with issues on the court, raising concerns not only for his future but also for the trajectory of the entire Bulls franchise.
From the moment he stepped onto the hardwood in Chicago, expectations for Williams were profound. Being a top-five draft pick comes with pressure, and that pressure has seemingly weighed heavily on his development as an impactful player. Despite his potential, Williams has struggled to find his footing in the league. “It’s obviously a challenge,” Williams admitted in a recent interview with The Chicago Tribune, expressing frustration over his current performance. “I never want to be bad at anything on the court. I always want to try to make the right play. I work really hard at it. I don’t have one reason that I can give you for any of it.”
Before joining the Bulls, Williams shined as a star at Florida State, where he made the game look effortless. However, his transition to the NBA has not mirrored that level of comfort. Williams recognizes this disconnect and is contemplating changes in his routine to regain his previous confidence. “This stuff used to sort of just come naturally,” he said. “I’ve never really worked on it until now. I’ve always been a good finisher at the rim. Dunks are really not something people work on — but maybe it has to be for the next couple of weeks until I get comfortable again.”
To date, Williams’ NBA journey has been marked by inconsistency. He has averaged double figures in scoring during only two of his five seasons, with averages of 10.2 points per game (PPG) during the 2022-23 season and 10.0 PPG the following season. This year, Williams is averaging just 9.4 PPG, 4.0 rebounds per game (RPG), and 2.2 assists per game (APG), leading to growing frustrations among fans and teammates alike.
Williams’ self-awareness is evident as he recognizes that reaching his potential hinges on hard work and dedication. “You don’t know what you’re good at until you actually start doing it,” he remarked. “That’s part of the game. I love it. I hate it at the same time. But you can only get better if you work at it.”
If the Bulls can unlock the version of Patrick Williams they envisioned when they drafted him, it could significantly alter the franchise’s trajectory. As the Bulls navigate through a tough season, the pressure mounts on Williams to deliver the performance expected from a top draft pick. If he can overcome these ongoing struggles, the Bulls may find themselves shifting towards a brighter and more competitive future.
