NBA Rumors: Sophomore Standout Urged By Chicago Bulls To Be More Assertive

Despite adding a wealth of talent in recent months, the Chicago Bulls hope that Patrick Williams will take a massive leap forward and become a key contributor for them this season.

That is according to a new report from Bulls insider K.C. Johnson of NBC Sports, who noted that the franchise believes there is so much more that the sophomore player can offer by channeling his energy towards the offensive end.

However, it remains to be seen how the 6-foot-8 forward will fit in with the Bulls after the arrivals of Lonzo Ball and DeMar DeRozan this offseason.

The Florida State alumnus reported to training camp for the first time since spraining his ankle in late September, and he should be ready to play in their last preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, October 15.

Bulls head coach Billy Donovan was cognizant of Williams’ potential and lamented his lack of opportunity to practice with the team due to the injury.

“What I was disappointed about from a training camp perspective is here’s a guy who had a really good summer. it’s just unfortunate that he couldn’t get that time with Vooch [Nikola Vucevic], with Zach [LaVine], with DeMar [DeRozan] to figure out [his role in the offense],” said Donovan as quoted by Johnson.

Williams was a major prospect out of Florida State despite not being a starter due to his ability to score the ball and defend the opposing teams’ best players, thanks to his wingspan and pure hustle.

The 20-year-old showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie year as he averaged 9.2 points while shooting 48.3 percent from the field and averaging 4.6 rebounds in 71 appearances.

Williams saw the amount of talent that the Bulls have acquired during his first practice with the team and is more than happy to be a part of a potentially high-octane offense.

“We’re playing fast for sure. We’re getting out in transition, being able just to flow in the offense. We have a lot of guys who can score, so there are going to be a lot of kick-out and catch-and-shoot opportunities for me,” remarked Williams according to Johnson.

He has a couple of days left to get his reps in with the team before they open the season away from home against the Detroit Pistons.

If Williams breaks through the glass ceiling, the six-time NBA champions can become a force to be reckoned with in the Eastern Conference.