It’s difficult to argue that Markkanen has evolved into the player the Bulls hope Williams will become. Billy Donovan, head coach of the Chicago Bulls, wants his talented forward to build on his season-best performance last night and continue to play with purpose.
The Chicago Bulls should not give up on Patrick Williams
The Chicago Bulls are set to host the Charlotte Hornets tonight after a hard-fought 108-99 road win over the Brooklyn Nets.
After struggling in previous games, third-year forward Patrick Williams performed admirably against the Nets, scoring 12 points, grabbing seven rebounds, and blocking two shots.
While Williams’ slow start prompted trade speculation early in the season, Lauri Markkanen’s career trajectory shows the Bulls that they must be patient with the 21-year-old forward.
Last year, the Bulls sent Markkanen to the Cavaliers as part of a three-team trade that resulted in the arrival of Derrick Jones Jr. in Chicago. Markkanen has joined the Jazz and is off to the best start of his career.
In Utah, Markkanen thrives. This season, Markkanen is averaging 22.6 points, 9.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1 block in 34 minutes per game for the Jazz. He is shooting 50.7 percent from the field, which is a career high.
Last Monday, the 25-year-old forward had a monster game against the Grizzlies, scoring 31 points, 11 rebounds, four blocks, and two assists in a 121-105 home win.
The Jazz were expected to tank for Victor Wembanyama after trading Donovan Mitchell and Rudy Gobert in the offseason, but they’re off to a 6-2 start, just a half-game behind the Suns for first place in the Western Conference.
It’s difficult to argue that Markkanen has evolved into the player the Bulls hope Williams will become. Billy Donovan, head coach of the Chicago Bulls, wants his talented forward to build on his season-best performance last night and continue to play with purpose.
Williams has averaged 7.8 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 22.6 minutes this season. However, he has scored 10.3 points in his last three games.
The Bulls should not abandon Williams just yet. Markkanen’s late breakout demonstrates why Chicago should be patient.
