Patrick Williams regrets not being able to finish the season

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams had high hopes for the season, seeking to build on his third year in the league, wherein he played in all 82 regular season games. However, Williams’ fourth season didn’t turn out as envisioned, as he suffered a season-ending foot injury in late January.

Williams is set to undergo foot surgery in early March and hopes to return to the court in four months to prepare for next season. Nevertheless, the former fourth overall pick of the 2020 NBA Draft couldn’t help but think about what could have been.

Continued development

At this point, it’s fair to speculate that Williams will not be the star the Bulls hoped he would be when they selected him in 2020. With career averages of 9.7 points and 4.2 rebounds, Williams pegs to be an athletic “3-and-D” guy moving forward. But that doesn’t mean he can’t continue to develop and potentially become a valuable piece for the Bulls.

Williams has shown flashes of being a versatile defender, with his long arms and athleticism allowing him to guard multiple positions on the court. He also possesses decent shooting ability, making 39 percent of his three-point attempts this season.

“I know what I showed when I was healthy this season,” Williams said.

“I think I know who I am as a player and what I’m capable of as a player. I’m kind of excited to see what happens. And just ready to get back to playing.”

Injury Update: Patrick Williams, who has been sidelined since Jan 25 with initial bone edema in his left foot, recently underwent routine subsequent imaging revealing the progression of his foot stress reaction.

He will undergo surgery and be out for the remainder of the season.
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 23, 2024

Back to square one

When it comes to Williams, there’s plenty of room for improvement, and he has shown his willingness to put in the work. Only time will tell though, if the work he does in the offseason will allow him to make that all-important leap the franchise and fans have been waiting for.

“I definitely feel like that was stepping into who I am as a player, being able to get every facet that I think I can into the game,” Williams said.

“I definitely think that it was another step or two that I could have taken this season. That’s why I was so excited to get back this season.”

Patrick Williams wants to remain a Chicago Bull: "I Love It Here" How you feel about it, Bulls Fans? #SeeRed pic.twitter.com/c8GpP4ig9Z
— CHGO Bulls (@CHGO_Bulls) February 25, 2024

Continued development

Back to square one

Patrick Williams hopes to stay with the Chicago Bulls beyond this season