© Nick Turchiaro-USA TODAY Sports
Billy Donovan on Patrick Williams needing to talk to the team's medical staff more to treat his injuries properly
The NBA has reached the point in the season where nearly every player is starting to feel the wear and tear of the grueling 82-game schedule. This can be a challenging time for young players as they try to toe the line between pushing through the pain and sitting games out.
In the case of Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams, communication has become a critical factor in his development. He was drafted fourth overall in the 2020 NBA Draft by the Bulls, and expectations were high for the talented young player.
However, this season, he has been dealing with a nagging ankle injury throughout the season that recently caused him to lose two games. In a recent interview, Bulls head coach Billy Donovan addressed these concerns by emphasizing the importance of communication between Williams and the team's medical staff.
Better job of communicating
Williams was an iron man last season, playing in all 82 regular season games for the Bulls. While he may have been keen on replicating the feat in his rookie year, his body had other plans. Injuries have hampered Williams this season, causing him to miss three games. At this point, Donovan said it’s better to constantly communicate with the team’s medical staff so they can get ahead of any potential issues.
“I think the biggest thing for him is he’s got to do a really good job of communicating,” Donovan said.
“There’s, like, a balance he’s trying to find where it’s, ‘OK, you’re at the halfway point of the season; everybody’s body is beaten up to a certain standpoint. You’re dealing with things, but then you have to determine what things are preventing you from going out there and doing your job and what things you need to fight through.’”
Hindering him from playing well
As a young player in the league, Williams is still learning how to manage his body and prevent injuries properly. This is where open communication becomes crucial. By regularly updating the medical staff on his physical condition and any discomfort he may be feeling, Williams can receive proper treatment and potentially avoid more severe injuries.
“I do think this situation with the ankle was preventing him from doing his job. I think it’s something we’re going to have to maintenance because he missed two games, and I always feel that when you get a series of games after something like this, you can kind of see how he responds to it. We certainly have to look after him and make sure he’s OK, take his temperature, take his pulse, and see where he’s at,” Donovan shared.
