The Chicago Bulls have gotten off to a rocky start this season, going 3-5 through their first eight games of the year. From a players-only meeting after their first game to multiple 20-point blowout losses, the Bulls haven’t been able to string together any semblance of consistency.
Chicago has even made a starting lineup change, swapping out Patrick Williams for Torrey Craig at the power forward position. Williams has struggled to begin the year, and it’s an ill-timed downswing, considering he’s going to be a restricted free agent next summer. The 22-year-old hasn’t quite lived up to expectations thus far, but the Bulls still like him.
Head coach Billy Donovan recently expressed the Bulls’ desire to keep Williams around long-term, and Williams followed up that statement by reciprocating the feeling.
“I love it. I love it here. I love the city, I love the team. I love what we’re about,” Williams said on Monday via NBC Sports Chicago. “We’re about winning. There’s no gimmicks. There’s no moral victories over here. Obviously, I love it.”
If the Bulls want to reach their ceiling, they need Williams to reach his.