The Chicago Bulls select forward Patrick Williams #4 overall.

[The Box Office]

Patrick Williams will start somewhere this season regardless of Otto Porter and Thad. I'm thinking this happens after trade deadline. Doesn't make any sense for Williams to come from the bench for the entire season. The kid's youth is irrelevant. To me, Pat should be starting ASAP.

Let's admit it. Otto Porter and Thad are not special. They look pale standing next to Pat Williams right now LOL. Having those guys start doesn't have much purpose.

To boost their trade value? Everyone in the league knows exactly what OPJ and Thad bring to the table.

[dougthonus]

There weren't many bright spots in game 1, but Williams was one of them. He looked really smooth on offense, and I thought that was actually most encouraging.

One thing that I thought was interesting is he seemed pretty passive on both ends of the floor though, he wasn't a high movement or high energy player. He seemed to look for box outs and was pretty passive on the glass. My second time through just watching the game, I just followed him everywhere on the court when he was on the floor. Not really anything to be concerned about after one preseason game, but it was something I found interesting.

[gobullschi]

Patrick Williams already answered the questions about whether or not he had the lateral speed to stay in front of small forwards when he locked up John Wall on a couple possessions.

Also confirmed some things we heard in camp from Lauri Markkanen. His one-handed floater game is automatic. His midrange looks solid too. It might take a while to adjust to NBA three point range though.

I’d like to see some more creative shot creating ability off the dribble tonight.

[Louri]

Imagine P-Williams in Boylen offense.. "At first.. stop shooting those long mid range shots, they are worst shots in basketball.."

[rtblues]

In my opinion Patrick Williams is already the best young prospect on the team.

[cjbulls]

Patrick Williams already answered the questions about whether or not he had the lateral speed to stay in front of small forwards when he locked up John Wall on a couple possessions.

Also confirmed some things we heard in camp from Lauri Markkanen. His one-handed floater game is automatic. His midrange looks solid too. It might take a while to adjust to NBA three point range though.

I’d like to see some more creative shot creating ability off the dribble tonight.

I was never that worried about 19yo PWill having lateral quickness to guard 3s adequately (I'm more concerned about offensively getting by guys), but what happens as his body matures? He looks huge already at 19. If his body fills in the way most guys do then he will likely lose quickness and start looking more like a full time 4.

I would work to keep him slim so that he can try to dominate at the three.

[gobullschi]

Patrick Williams already answered the questions about whether or not he had the lateral speed to stay in front of small forwards when he locked up John Wall on a couple possessions.

Also confirmed some things we heard in camp from Lauri Markkanen. His one-handed floater game is automatic. His midrange looks solid too. It might take a while to adjust to NBA three point range though.

I’d like to see some more creative shot creating ability off the dribble tonight.

I was never that worried about 19yo PWill having lateral quickness to guard 3s adequately (I'm more concerned about offensively getting by guys, which he hasn't shown), but what happens as his body grows. He looks huge already at 19. If his body fills in the way most guys do then he will likely lose quickness and start looking more like a full time 4.

I would try and keep him slim so that he can try to dominate at the three.

He looks like he cut a some weight since the college season ended. He can probably add 5-10 lbs of leaner muscle without losing any speed. That strength is an asset not a liability.

Quickness shouldn’t be an issue, but developing some more creative on ball skills will be critical to reaching his ceiling. He’s clearly a 3/4.

[PaKii94]

There weren't many bright spots in game 1, but Williams was one of them. He looked really smooth on offense, and I thought that was actually most encouraging.

One thing that I thought was interesting is he seemed pretty passive on both ends of the floor though, he wasn't a high movement or high energy player. He seemed to look for box outs and was pretty passive on the glass. My second time through just watching the game, I just followed him everywhere on the court when he was on the floor. Not really anything to be concerned about after one preseason game, but it was something I found interesting.

I like to think of him as energy efficient . He's not wasting energy on wasted movements but he seems to be in the right spots at the right time for the most part. That's a key trait to have to retain some stamina for end games.

[Chi town]

There weren't many bright spots in game 1, but Williams was one of them. He looked really smooth on offense, and I thought that was actually most encouraging.

One thing that I thought was interesting is he seemed pretty passive on both ends of the floor though, he wasn't a high movement or high energy player. He seemed to look for box outs and was pretty passive on the glass. My second time through just watching the game, I just followed him everywhere on the court when he was on the floor. Not really anything to be concerned about after one preseason game, but it was something I found interesting.

He did the same thing at FSU. Let the game to him early on and slowly built off that as he felt comfortable.

[cjbulls]

Patrick Williams already answered the questions about whether or not he had the lateral speed to stay in front of small forwards when he locked up John Wall on a couple possessions.

Also confirmed some things we heard in camp from Lauri Markkanen. His one-handed floater game is automatic. His midrange looks solid too. It might take a while to adjust to NBA three point range though.

I’d like to see some more creative shot creating ability off the dribble tonight.

I was never that worried about 19yo PWill having lateral quickness to guard 3s adequately (I'm more concerned about offensively getting by guys, which he hasn't shown), but what happens as his body grows. He looks huge already at 19. If his body fills in the way most guys do then he will likely lose quickness and start looking more like a full time 4.

I would try and keep him slim so that he can try to dominate at the three.

He looks like he cut a some weight since the college season ended. He can probably add 5-10 lbs of leaner muscle without losing any speed. That strength is an asset not a liability.

Quickness shouldn’t be an issue, but developing some more creative on ball skills will be critical to reaching his ceiling. He’s clearly a 3/4.

I agree it's possible, but will it happen? Most guys bulk up in the NBA. It looked like BD used most of his minutes at the 4. Hopefully that was because Thad was out, but I'd rather force him to play 3 to get his mindset that he needs to get quicker. If you play him against bigger guys, he may head into next offseason thinking he should get stronger.

[Bankshot]

There weren't many bright spots in game 1, but Williams was one of them. He looked really smooth on offense, and I thought that was actually most encouraging.

One thing that I thought was interesting is he seemed pretty passive on both ends of the floor though, he wasn't a high movement or high energy player. He seemed to look for box outs and was pretty passive on the glass. My second time through just watching the game, I just followed him everywhere on the court when he was on the floor. Not really anything to be concerned about after one preseason game, but it was something I found interesting.

Doug that was the exact same observation I had....almost like he was coached to do this...I never saw him really go aggressively to get rebounds or double anyone...he just covered his man and boxed out. On offense he certainly wasn't afraid to put up his shot and it is one of the better mid range jumpers I have seen in a long time...his form on that and his free throws is perfect. I am wanting to see him next when the time calls for it take it to the basket....I am slightly worried that his midrange is so good that he may not do that when it makes sense to...but it's way to early to judge that...I thought he was excellent for a guy his age and only a couple weeks into camp.

[DASMACKDOWN]

The great thing, is we dont have to rush anything with the roster or PW.

The thing is, Otto is a huge expiring. He is either traded or let walk at seasons end.
Thad then becomes valuable as an expiring going into the following next season.

And on either option, we can always pair them with a young piece who doesnt fit our long term plans. We arent in a bad spot.

The only good thing now is we actually have a program to teach the young guys on how to play. In 2-3 years...its going to look really good around here.

[dougthonus]

I like to think of him as energy efficient . He's not wasting energy on wasted movements but he seems to be in the right spots at the right time for the most part. That's a key trait to have to retain some stamina for end games.

Its been one preseason game, so I'm not drawing any conclusions, but I've never heard anyone spin low energy into a positive, and I don't think he necessarily was in the right position a lot of those times nor did he put as much pressure on Houston as he could on either end of the floor. Again, just a preseason game, and the kid has had little time to get into the groove overall. It was a good showing by him, but I hope he becomes more aggressive on both ends of the floor as he gets more comfortable.

[coldfish]

I like to think of him as energy efficient . He's not wasting energy on wasted movements but he seems to be in the right spots at the right time for the most part. That's a key trait to have to retain some stamina for end games.

Its been one preseason game, so I'm not drawing any conclusions, but I've never heard anyone spin low energy into a positive, and I don't think he necessarily was in the right position a lot of those times nor did he put as much pressure on Houston as he could on either end of the floor. Again, just a preseason game, and the kid has had little time to get into the groove overall. It was a good showing by him, but I hope he becomes more aggressive on both ends of the floor as he gets more comfortable.

After the draft I was negative about PW. One of the big knocks I had on him was how he just kind of drifts around the court. He isn't really active at all but he is good at positioning. When you asked who I would have taken, I said Okuro and it was mostly based on on court energy.

I'm not sure PW is ever going to be a Noah type high energy guy. Hopefully he can still be effective by being smart, which he does seem to be.

[dougthonus]

I'm not sure PW is ever going to be a Noah type high energy guy. Hopefully he can still be effective by being smart, which he does seem to be.

Yeah, I think if he were a Noah type, you'd see it immediately. I don't think he needs to be that either, but I do hope he gets more aggressive as time goes on.

[PlayerUp]

After the draft I was negative about PW. One of the big knocks I had on him was how he just kind of drifts around the court. He isn't really active at all but he is good at positioning. When you asked who I would have taken, I said Okuro and it was mostly based on on court energy.

I'm not sure PW is ever going to be a Noah type high energy guy. Hopefully he can still be effective by being smart, which he does seem to be.

PW looks really focused when he's on the court like he's taking Adderall or something. After he scores he looks down and rethinks what he did versus celebrating. You're right he doesn't seem like a high energy guy but neither is Leonard or Butler.

[CjayC]

After the draft I was negative about PW. One of the big knocks I had on him was how he just kind of drifts around the court. He isn't really active at all but he is good at positioning. When you asked who I would have taken, I said Okuro and it was mostly based on on court energy.

I'm not sure PW is ever going to be a Noah type high energy guy. Hopefully he can still be effective by being smart, which he does seem to be.

PW looks really focused when he's on the court like he's taking Adderall or something. After he scores he looks down and rethinks what he did versus celebrating. You're right he doesn't seem like a high energy guy but neither is Leonard or Butler.

I quite like it. Looks like he's really honed in on winning his matchups.

[hungarianjordan]

I wrote up some of my thoughts on PatWill for those interested. Warning: It gets into the very nitty gritty of his game. Covers every noteworthy play he was involved in from the first preseason game: https://stephnoh.substack.com/p/what-i-learned-from-patrick-williams

Nice write up Stephen, I didn't know you posted here.

Thanks Doug. More a lurker than a poster, but I usually peek my head in once or twice a week to see what's going on. Looking forward to hearing you and Fred on the postgame youtube stream this year.

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[ThisGuyFawkes]

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I hope he gets some tint on that car.