So, the Bulls are fluctuating between being playoff caliber and wallowing in the land of never getting better. I get it. Earlier this year they were doomed for 12 th place in the conference. Then there was this team meeting, and they went on a roll. They own the elite of the East so far (something like 7-2 against the Celtics, Bucks, and Nets). They can’t beat the contributors to this website on most other days though. No identity.
Everybody is trying to figure out why they went from first place mid-way through last season, to the state of flux as of today. I can tell you exactly why – it’s the absence of Lonzo Ball, but that is the topic of another article. Here’s the thing though, there are three all-stars on the roster – Lavine, DeRozan, and Vucevic. The offense runs through the three of them in an ever-changing version of a triangle offense with two others standing in the corners as far away from offense threats or an ability to secure an offensive rebound as possible. The rest of the roster is left to hope for touches, created when the ball finds its way into their hands, or rely on points off turnovers to have an impact.
The point is: Why the hell does this make Patrick Williams a bust (the biggest bust in Bulls history according to some)? If a player does not develop, which stats say he has not, yet his role does not change, which it has not, that is not on the player – that is on the coach, who’s role it is to develop the young players. Patrick Williams is tasked to guard the opponents’ best players every game on defense, and he is tasked to go to the corner and let the big three do their thing on offense. His role has not changed.
When he participated on Team USA as one of the young guns tasked to practice against the main roster during the Olympics, he was constantly lauded by the coaches and players alike for his effort, discipline, and results against the best our country has to offer. Anybody want to take the time to consider that he excels at what is asked of him, and they are not asking anything of him? I read an article on Sports Mockery that suggests that his scoring, rebounding, and assists have not changed in two and a half years – well no kidding, neither has his role or opportunity. The same author also acknowledged that he has routinely scored 20+ points when either Zach or DeMar was out, and he was needed. Hypocrisy much?
Yes, there should be a lot expected of the 4th pick in the draft; and yes, he does appear to defer or play passive at times with the ball in his hands, but when your role is defined as 4 th or 5 th option at best it may be mentally prohibitive of free-flowing play, confidence, and risk taking. Coaches have a role in putting these guys in the right place to succeed. With three all-stars, is the guy getting a chance? Any other comparisons from the 2020 draft, you ask? What about James Wiseman, everyone’s consensus number 1 projected pick with the Warriors? He’s averaging less rebounds per game and he is 7’1” – and nobody
is calling him a bust!
Next, let’s talk about everyone’s bust comparison with the Bulls, Marcus Fizer – the human black hole, whose next pass will be his first pass, and another number 4 overall pick of the Bulls. Now go back and look at the Bulls roster at that point – the best player he ever played with was a 39-year-old Scottie Pippen. As the number 4 pick he should have been the man, as nobody on that roster ever came close to sniffing an all-star game without a ticket. The only thing Fizer and Williams have in common is the draft status, any other comparison is ridiculous and short sighted.
Patrick Williams is 21 years old, uncoached, underutilized, and underdeveloped – not his fault. As previously referenced, he does what is expected of him consistently – why not change expectation and let the kid play. Here is looking forward to a trade of DeMar (who I love) a trade of Vuc (time to go) and the return of Lonzo. If that happens and Patrick Williams is still putting up the same numbers, I am willing to listen. Until then, knock it off!
If you want to seriously discuss Chicago Bulls greatest busts – I suggest we start with Paxon as an executive, Forman, Skiles, Del Negro, Boylen, Hoiberg… That’s a much more relevant and interesting conversation.
Comments