Bulls Reverse Course On Starting Lineup Decision
Billy Donovan says Patrick Williams will open the season as the Bulls’ starting power forward. Javonte Green will start the year in the second unit.
— Darnell Mayberry (@DarnellMayberry) October 18, 2022
Donovan now confirms that the up-and-coming 6'7" Williams will indeed get the start when the Bulls take on the Miami Heat Wednesday night to kick off their season.
Ten days ago, when he started Javonte Green and brought Williams off the bench, the coach said that "when you put Javonte out there, you know what you’re going to get," and that Williams could handle it wherever he played.
Billy Donovan: “Look, I get it in terms of where he was drafted, where he was picked, but that’s just not who Patrick Williams is (in ever being preoccupied by that fact/stature). For us, we’ve got to make decisions that are going to be best for our team."
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) October 8, 2022
"We’ve got to make decisions that are going to be best for our team." And sure enough, having Williams in the starting lineup is what's best at this point.
The 21-year-old only got into 17 games last season after wrist surgery knocked him out of the lineup for several months. In his small season sample, Williams averaged 9 points and 4.1 rebounds, similar to what he produced in his rookie year the season before.
This year, many are saying he's ready to bust out.
Just heard @anthonyVslater pick Patrick Williams for Most Improved Player on The @AthleticNBAShow. It’s the earliest the Bulls have been mentioned on a national NBA preview podcast this year.
— Taco Trey Kerby (@treykerby) October 18, 2022
Photo: Kevin Sousa-USA TODAY Sports
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