"Guys grow and develop at different rates" - Billy Donovan not worried about Patrick Williams' development

Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams is playing in his fourth season in the NBA and has yet to post the impressive numbers that fourth-overall picks typically produce. However, head coach Billy Donovan is not worried about his development, emphasizing that players grow and develop at different rates.

Williams was the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, making him the highest draft pick in Bulls history since Derrick Rose was selected first in 2008. With such high expectations, fans have been waiting for Williams to make an immediate impact on the team. However, that has yet to happen, leading many to ask if it ever will.

Back as a starter

Now, back as a starter following the sprained ankle that will sideline All-Star Zach LaVine for at least a few weeks, Williams scored 13 points in the Bulls’ 115-113 defeat at the hands of the Phoenix Suns. He also had 15 points in their previous game against the Memphis Grizzlies—a game that saw Donovan give the 22-year-old a quick yank four minutes after the game tipped off because of his passivity.

Williams recovered after conversing with Donovan on the bench and after the game, the Bulls coach was asked if he was concerned about the growth—or lack thereof—of Williams’ game.

“I’m not concerned about it,” Donovan bluntly responded.

“Because I think what happens is a lot of times for players, those things happen very quickly. And you can get caught where, ‘I’m getting ready to shoot it, and then I don’t have the shot.’ And now you’ve lost the advantage. Guys grow and develop at different rates. It’s not like he doesn’t want to do it. I just think he’s got to be more decisive when the ball comes,” Donovan shared, referring to Williams’ indecisiveness when the ball swings his way.

Patrick Williams pulls up and hits the triple over Gary Trent Jr. 👌pic.twitter.com/WUlFWM7tm2
— Bulls Nation (@BullsNationCP) January 19, 2024

Reading what the defense is giving

Williams has the physique, athleticism, and skills to star in the NBA. However, his lack of assertiveness and decisiveness on the court has hindered his progress so far. But Donovan remains confident in Williams’ abilities and attributes his struggles to a common issue among young players: overthinking.

“You see him sometimes where he puts the ball down, and he gets into that midrange shot because he’s trying to get to the rim,” Donovan said.

“But maybe what was open was taking a 3. So it’s not like I don’t see him doing it. He’s just got to make those reads.”

Patrick Williams is in attack mode!@NBCSChicago | #SeeRed pic.twitter.com/MZKTdGE2st
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) January 19, 2024

Back as a starter

Reading what the defense is giving

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