© John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
DeMar DeRozan believes Patrick Williams is getting ready to make a leap in his career
Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams did not make the leap that many thought—the franchise included—he'd take this season after getting limited to just 17 games last year due to a severe wrist injury. It didn't happen. However, what did happen was Williams got in as much work as he possibly could, first as a starter and later in the season, as a key reserve.
His hard work, according to superstar teammate DeMar DeRozan, is about to pay off in 2023-2024 season.
Comfort level and confidence went up
Coming off an injury-plagued season, Williams was determined to prepare his mind and body for the rigors of a full NBA season. The 21-year-old ended up playing in all 82 games this season—one of just ten players to accomplish the feat this year. And the former Florida State stud took advantage of the time he had on the floor to gain confidence.
Whether it was taking on tough defensive assignments or shooting the three-ball efficiently, it was clear that Williams was a player Bulls coach Billy Donovan and DeRozan relied on.
"He got extremely comfortable as the season went on," said DeRozan about Williams. "He's such a raw talent in so many ways and he don't even know it. The more he was in certain situations taking on certain challenges he never wavered or backed down. That shows a lot of character within him. It's about just his mentality and his approach to the game and taking that next step and trying to understand how he can just blossom," added DeRozan of Williams.
Bright future
The Bulls' executive vice president of basketball operations, Arturas Karnisovas, is optimistic about Williams' future. As the man nicknamed "The Paw" continues to develop, so will his role on a Bulls team that is currently trying to chart its own course back towards relevance.
"For young guys, it's always consistency," said Karnisovas. "I think he was still trying to figure it out, how to play with Vooch and DeMar and Zach to find his spots. He's our best three-point shooter. He's 21 years old, has an athletic profile for this league and I think he has a bright future. I like his development."
