Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
adamtaylornba

Bulls head coach lays out new challenge for Patrick Williams

Billy Donovan wants Patrick Williams to be more aggressive. The fourth-year forward has enjoyed a strong start to the season, but Donovan believes he can have an even greater impact. Williams has been one of the bright spots this season despite a difficult few months for the Chicago Bulls roster.

Donovan’s comments came when speaking to the media following Chicago’s loss to the Miami Heat on Saturday (Dec. 16.) Williams had produced a solid statline of 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists, shooting 80% from 3-point range and 80% from the field. As such, Donovan knows that Mitchell can provide a similar impact on a nightly basis.

“With younger players, you don’t want to play in a wide gap where there are these drastic differences. Whether he makes shots or misses shots, it’s the aggressiveness. And he clearly on Thursday night wasn’t as aggressive as he was (Saturday). And we gotta get him to be consistent doing that,” Donovan said. “He’s gotta own that. When he does what he does (Saturday), he’s a huge boost to our team.”

Williams is one of Chicago’s only young, high-potential players. The roster has been constructed around aging stars, which is primarily why Chicago is expected to be active around the trade deadline. However, Williams’ upside and importance to the franchise means that he’s unlikely to be included in any potential trade discussions.

The 22-year-old forward has had flashes of his potential since entering the NBA but has struggled to string those impressive performances together. With multiple years of development time ahead of him, hopes should still be high for Williams to figure it out and become an integral member of the rotation.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.