Without Summer League and with a limited preseason, the 2020 rookie class won’t have much time to get up to speed before the regular season begins. No. 4 overall pick Patrick Williams is among the rookies wasting no time and the Bulls are impressed with what they are seeing out of their top draft pick.
“I think he’s got a chance to be a really good player,” said Bulls coach Billy Donovan. “He has a really good feel for the game. He very rarely forces shots, he makes good decisions, he’s a good passer. He is really good when he gets into that elbow, paint area where he can shoot those one-handed lean-in shots.”
Williams scored 12 points on 5-of-9 shooting in 25 minutes during his debut on Friday night.
“I’m sure he was a little anxious and nervous, but he’s got a good pace and good way he plays and he can get into the mid range,” Donovan continued. “I thought he played very well considering the fact that there was no real Summer League or build up to training camp, and he had to come here after the draft and get started. He did a really nice job.”
When the Bulls selected Williams with the No. 4 pick, it came as a surprise to some, though there’s no mistaking his potential. The Florida State product has the kind of talent to be a franchise cornerstone in Chicago. However, his first task will be earning a spot in the rotation, something that appears likely at this juncture.
