Patrick Williams creates more questions than answers for Bulls
The Chicago Bulls' over/under for this season is 37.5 games, per FanDuel.com. Oddsmakers apparently aren't sold on the team's offseason signings of Jevon Carter and Torrey Craig. Or maybe it's a lack of confidence in Chicago's mantra of "continuity."
Carter and Craig have been stellar in providing three-point shooting, defense and veteran awareness in making plays. Continuity seems to be somewhat paying off as Coby White — in his fifth season in Chicago — averaged 13.2 points, four assists and 3.2 rebounds per game and shot 54.3 percent in the preseason.
Throw in the fact that White will be joining a starting lineup that features some of the most efficient players at their position (Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic) and the Bulls theoretically could have a team that is poised to get into the playoffs and possibly even win a series.
For the Bulls to fully realize their potential, though, they will need power forward Patrick Williams to finally have a breakout season and consistently play with force.
When Craig spoke about motivating Williams, his first few words were "he's just a good guy." He didn't mean anything negative by those comments, but Williams' lackluster preseason play and the presence of Craig has critics questioning Williams' role on this team.
Williams — who has averaged 9.7 points in three seasons with the Bulls — has shown flashes in his young career of being a good defender and three-point specialist. Williams has stated he wants a larger role in the offense, preferably at small forward.
Per ESPN's Zach Lowe, Williams is also likely looking for big-time money as he is eligible for a rookie extension.
But how much money should the Bulls invest in a player who recently got pulled during a preseason game because of lack of effort and physicality?
How important is he to Chicago's plans when he hasn't proven he can solidify his place in the starting lineup heading into his fourth season?
Moving on from Lauri Markkanen was supposed to open opportunities for Williams to unlock his potential. Instead, the Bulls — who finished 40-42 and missed the playoffs last season — have been left with a riddle that no one seems to have an answer for.
More must-reads: