Will Patrick Williams hold off Torrey Craig for the starting power forward spot?

It will be an interesting battle in the Bulls' training camp.

© David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bulls' training camp will get underway this week in Nashville, Tennessee, with the team looking to provide answers to several questions. One of the biggest questions is who will win the starting power forward spot. Promising forward Patrick Williams is seen as the front-runner for the position, but new acquisition Torrey Craig could challenge him for minutes.

Intriguing battle

Training camp is a crucial time in every NBA team’s season. It’s a time for coaches to evaluate the talent they have and make decisions on who to play in which roles. For the Bulls, there is an intriguing battle that will take place at power forward.

Williams was drafted in 2020 with the fourth overall pick out of Florida State University and is seen as a potential key cog of the Bulls. He has always been praised for his size and athleticism. However, the lack of consistency in his game has been a concern for team executives and coaches.

Meanwhile, Craig is an experienced forward acquired during the offseason from the Phoenix Suns. He brings a wealth of knowledge to Chicago’s roster, as he’s played deep into four postseason runs with the Denver Nuggets and Suns. While he’s not known as a great scorer, his defensive prowess and veteran savvy are expected to benefit the Bulls.

Tough decision

The Bulls have a tough decision regarding who will start at power forward. Will they opt for the untapped potential of Williams, or will Craig’s seasoned veteran status prove beneficial? Joe Cowley of the Chicago Sun-Times, though, advocates for Williams to take a starting role.

“The best way for Donovan to let this play out is to give both starting looks in the preseason to keep the competitive flames burning for an often lethargic Williams, then name Williams the starter once the regular season starts,” Cowley wrote.

“This is Year 4 for Williams, and the training wheels are long overdue to be kicked off. A financial decision has to be made on the forward, and it’s time for him to start gaining the faith of the organization.”

The Paw is a force on both ends of the court 🐾

Tomorrow's Media Day kicks off training camp week. pic.twitter.com/MCLfE8Yi3S

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 1, 2023