While his career is stalling because he is often injured and is not really progressing, being always so discreet and not very aggressive, Patrick Williams still landed a five-year, $90 million contract extension this summer.
A nice check for a player who has not reassured the Bulls much since his arrival in Chicago in 2020. He is therefore aware that this sum is not really a reward, but more of a promise.
“They believe in me, I believe in them. We are ready to work”, does he react. “It’s important for my family. For me, the work doesn’t stop. I see it like this: more work to do, more pressure on my shoulders, being a leader of the team, using my experience, and progressing. I’m ready.”
Finding your legs again
Especially since the situation has changed in Chicago this summer, with the departure of DeMar DeRozan and the arrivals of Josh Giddey, Jalen Smith and Chris Duarte. Patrick Williams will finally have to be more aggressive, more productive. “I think we have the necessary elements. The group is not finished, but I am satisfied with our situation. It is above all about work.”he continues.
But will he be able to start next season? The question arises because the last exercise ended prematurely, in February, due to bone edema in his left foot. He underwent surgery and the Bulls do not know if he will hold his place for training camp. The player, on this question, is more categorical: ” Of course. ”
It's now been five months since he went under the knife, so most of his rehabilitation is now complete. “I run, I jump without pain or swelling. Now it's about getting my legs back,” specifies the Bulls player. “My bone is healed. Rehabilitation is mostly rest. You need enough of that. But after four months without effort, the muscles should come back. I'm there and it's the best timing.”
| Patrick Williams | Percentage | Rebounds | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | MJ | Min | Shots | 3pts | LF | Off | Def | Early | Pd | Party | Int | Bp | Ct | Pts |
| 2020-21 | CHI | 71 | 28 | 48.3 | 39.1 | 72.8 | 0.9 | 3.7 | 4.6 | 1.4 | 1.8 | 0.9 | 1.4 | 0.7 | 9.2 |
| 2021-22 | CHI | 17 | 25 | 52.9 | 51.7 | 73.2 | 1.0 | 3.1 | 4.1 | 0.9 | 1.7 | 0.5 | 0.9 | 0.5 | 9.0 |
| 2022-23 | CHI | 82 | 28 | 46.4 | 41.5 | 85.7 | 1.0 | 3.0 | 4.0 | 1.2 | 1.8 | 0.9 | 1.2 | 0.9 | 10.2 |
| 2023-24 | CHI | 43 | 27 | 44.3 | 39.9 | 78.8 | 1.1 | 2.8 | 3.9 | 1.5 | 2.0 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 10.0 |
| Total | 213 | 28 | 46.9 | 41.0 | 78.0 | 1.0 | 3.2 | 4.2 | 1.3 | 1.8 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 0.7 | 9.7 | |
How to read the stats? GM = Games Played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots Made / Shots Attempted; 3pts = 3-pointers / 3-pointers Attempted; LF = Free Throws Made / Free Throws Attempted; Off = Offensive Rebound; Def = Defensive Rebound; Tot = Total Rebounds; Pd = Assists; Fte: Personal Fouls; Int = Steals; Bp = Loose Balls; Ct: Blocks; Pts = Points.
