Billy Donovan explains why he yanked Patrick Williams out of the game four minutes after the game started

As typical NBA rotations go, starters often get subbed out of the game near the end of the first quarter, giving them a few minutes to rest before heading back onto the court in the second. But something unusual happened in the recent game between the Chicago Bulls and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Just four minutes into the first quarter, head coach Billy Donovan made a surprising decision to pull Patrick Williams out of the game. This move raised eyebrows among fans and commentators alike, prompting many to question why such a quick substitution was made.

In his post-game interview, Donovan addressed this decision by saying that he felt Williams was

being “a little bit passive” in his play during those first few minutes.

Lack of aggression

The fourth-year forward is back in the starting lineup following the ankle sprain suffered by All-Star Zach LaVine. However, the early returns of the move could have been more promising as the former Florida State standout passed up on open shots, leading Donovan to give him a quick pull to offer some guidance.

“I just thought the first stint he was in there that there are opportunities that guys have to take advantage of closeouts and rotations. And I thought there were a couple possessions there where he really had an opportunity to shoot it, drive it or make a play,” Donovan said.

“We talk about being aggressive. It’s in those moments. It’s when there’s a shifted floor, and bodies are off you, and the ball is coming to you, and you’re in a closeout situation where you shoot it or attack. I thought there a couple possessions there that he was a little bit passive on. Talked to him about it, and then I thought he was a little better as the game went on.”

Coby White starts the night off with a beautiful assist to Patrick Williams!#BullsNation | #SeeRed pic.twitter.com/G7y9NjN1fb
— Bulls Nation (@BullNationCHI) January 21, 2024

Receptive to critique

After the game, Williams shared that he understood Donovan’s instructions and that his continued development would come with more game reps as the season moves forward.

“I think it’s all with reps, game reps. I felt it. So he didn’t need to tell me that. A lot of my teammates were already on me about shooting the ball,” Williams said.

“Just slowing down on those reads and those closeouts, it’s all with reps. Having those dialogues, whether it’s him taking me out or guys getting on me, that’s what development and learning is all about. It’s not always going to be pretty. But now I can go back and work.”

Patrick Williams after tonight’s expected win against a v undermanned Memphis Grizzlies:

26 minutes
15 points
5 rebounds
0 assists
2 steal
1 block
2 tos
3 3s
36.4% fg / 100% ft / 42.9% 3p
-7 +/-

give him the usage & he will produce , simple as that pic.twitter.com/SdUG4f7xGV
— PatMuse (@PatMusee) January 21, 2024