Much of Chicago can agree that Patrick Williams is one of the more heavily scrutinized players with the franchise. That same crowd will argue that the constant negativity is justified. As a former top-five draft pick, their highest selection since 2008, and having signed a five-year, $90 million extension last summer, the results need to show on the court. As seen with Zach LaVine's lack of success in Chicago and the team's immediate improvement after his departure, coupled with Sacramento's sudden downfall upon his arrival, some players are either products of, or toxins in, their environment. Williams seems to be the former. Through seven games in 2025, where does he currently stand, and will he ever win over the good graces of Chicago fans?
Best He's Ever Played
As is the case with many teams in the midst of an incredible stretch, most players earning minutes have to contribute at a high level. Josh Giddey, Nikola Vucevic, Isaac Okoro, Ayo Dosunmu, Kevin Huerter, and others are playing some of the best basketball in their respective careers. Patrick Williams has followed suit. Throughout his first five years, his statistics not only didn't improve from year to year, but they actually declined. Last season, he scored his lowest number of points per game, while shooting a career-low percentage from the field, from three-point territory, and from the free-throw line. His first five seasons also featured four losing records, and the only winning season was when he was sidelined for 65 of the 82 games. Although his numbers haven't popped off the page through seven outings, he has improved in each of the areas mentioned above.
Patrick Williams this season-
— Justin Talks Hoops (@J_Talks_Hoops) November 1, 2025
9.3 ppg
3.8 Reb
1.5 assists
P-Will career averages-
9.5 ppg
4.1 Reb
1.5 assists
Perfect example of how the stats don’t tell the story
Anyone who’s watched the Bulls this year has seen this is the best ball he’s ever played
pic.twitter.com/DyqHsk0HZz
It appears that having a lesser role in a ball movement-heavy team was the formula for success for Williams. This was not the same chemistry or playing style that this franchise featured over the last five campaigns.
Winning Over The City Of Chicago
The former Florida State Seminole will have a tough time regaining the hearts and support of Bulls fans. This is a tough city to impress from the start, but it's especially daunting as an underperforming top-end draft selection on an underwhelming team. When he was drafted, the hype and excitement led many to believe that he'd be an integral part of turning the organization's losing ways around. He has not played any role in doing so and has been a bust by all accounts. The spite was doubled down when the front office decided to stick with the mediocre forward, signing him to a five-year extension. While he has contributed as a seventh or eighth man in the rotation, hopes were much higher for the most anticipated draft selection in over a decade.
"He really just seems in a different headspace this season. He seems very much at peace with his role."@KCJHoop details why Patrick Williams has looked like a different player thus far in his 6th year pic.twitter.com/Q7763Pex5c
— Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) November 4, 2025
The problem isn’t that Patrick Williams is a bust.
— Die-Hard Chicago Bulls Fans (@DieHardCBfans) January 26, 2025
Teams draft busts all the time. It’s a part of the game. The issue is giving him a massive contract after seeing that he’s a bust.
Then doubling down and keeping him as a starter over Matas Buzelis. pic.twitter.com/EsDnlwcl9u
While he may never regain the trust and admiration of Chicago, Williams is contributing to winning basketball. Although it's a much more minor role than expected from a top-five pick and the fourth-highest paid player, he's excelling in his bench minutes and improving his offensive efficiency.
