New Evidence Proves That Patrick Williams Is Primed For A Breakout Season In 2023

2020 fourth-overall draft selection Patrick Williams is entering his fourth NBA season in Chicago, and it's make or break for his time with the Bulls. Averaging a measly 9.7 points per game for his career, the offensive output has yet to come to fruition for the 22-year-old wing. Originally slated to be the next evolution of two-way superstar Kawhi Leonard, Williams has only shown consistency at the professional level on the defensive side of the floor. Many believe Williams would have been moved if he wasn't front office leader Arturas Karnisovas's first draft selection in Chicago. The Bulls have found themselves on the cusp of playoff contention each of the last three seasons, and with some big names moving at the deadline, the former Florida State small forward has been a name of interest in potential trade talks. With the lack of offense and low usage rates, a win-now deal sending him to a rebuilding franchise has been tempting for Chicago's management but never acted upon. Early in 2023's preseason, Williams is looking like a new player, one that the 24th-ranked offense a year ago could sorely use in the lineup.

DeRozan's Summer Gauntlet

Since arriving in Chicago from free agency three seasons ago, DeMar DeRozan has taken Williams under his wing. Seeing the untapped potential, DeRozan instantly enjoyed his demeanor and skillset when playing confidently. The summer of 2022 was the first of their summer workouts, which continued into this offseason.

Following the training regime of a six-time NBA All-Star is a step in the right direction for the Bulls' young forward, who can hopefully take some veteran tips and tricks to add to his lacking offensive skillset. Shooting over 40% from three-point territory each of the last two seasons and a career 41.4% deep threat, the aggressiveness and inside-the-arc scoring are the focal points for Williams moving forward, DeRozan's specialty. While he's been in a challenging position being the third or fourth option in any given lineup, his offense has been spotty at best. As DeRozan echoed, look out for a new version of the 6'7" former Seminole in 2023.

The Best And Worst Of Preseason

Patrick Williams has been an interesting player during the first three preseason games. While his offensive skills have clearly leveled up, the intangibles to make a more effective fit in the starting lineup have almost deteriorated. The offensive shot selection still looks uncomfortable and forced at times, the effort level on the glass is lacking, and the last outing was his best so far without the bulk of Chicago's starters. Last night, he was the featured offensive player and attempted the most shots on the team while tied for the lead in individual scoring.

Where's the bad news? Well, he's drawn the start in all three preseason games and has started 145 of his 170 career appearances, meaning he'll likely start again in his fourth year. If this becomes a reality, his offensive usage will diminish to the less than eight shot attempts he's averaged over his young NBA career, and his contributions will be valued at more than purely a scoring metric. Head coach Billy Donovan addressed this in the opening interviews this summer, hinting that they'd need a complete player at the power forward position with the number of mouths needing to be fed in the starting five.

Williams is the leader in the clubhouse for the starting gig, but it will not be a surprise if he's quickly moved to a bench role for similar reasons to Coby White, usage rates. If White and Williams are coming off the bench, they are freed up to take more shot attempts and play with the ball in their hands more often. With LaVine, DeRozan, and Vucevic all averaging more than 14 shot attempts per contest, the shot distribution is pretty clear in the starting lineup. Last night's preseason outing proved Williams is much better when able to play aggressively and have a heavier share of shot attempts. At the same time, he's been sorely lacking in the rebounding department, a trait the starting lineup will need when the regular season begins. He's only grabbed seven rebounds across 66 minutes of preseason play.

Is this the breakout season that Bulls fans have hoped for the last three seasons with Patrick Williams? If his offensive output does not improve, is it time to move on from the 22-year-old for a chance at contention? Karnisovas will have to answer for a top-five draft selection bust if his fourth straight season results in a disappointment in Chicago, one that may cost him his job.