DuckIII wrote:Wingy wrote:I worry that he has been given too much, too soon in terms of minutes. I get the pluses of development, and learning through mistakes.
Yet that’s also a risk if it leads to a softening of his work ethic, and gives him any kind of sense of entitlement. Subconsciously that is. I don’t think he’d make an intentional choice to throttle back.
Seems like he gets time no matter what, and that’s risky if it’s not managed the right way. Depends on who he is, and how he shows up to work behind the scenes too...but ultimately, it’s a league of results. I’d like to see his time reduced, in hopes of lighting a fire that he seems to lack by most accounts.
There isn’t any indication that he “lacks fire” to improve. Don’t confuse that with instances of in-game reluctance.
As for what he’s been given, he’s starting and playing 28 minutes a game. It’s significant exposure for a 19 year old, I agree. But the gross minute numbers are offset by the role he plays which is essentially 5th wheel.
The Bulls have taken an unusual approach with Willy, which is giving him the minutes, but significantly reducing his role. Had they brought him off the bench with limited minutes, but used those minutes to give him a bigger role when he’s in, I don’t think anyone would say he’s being gifted anything. But the approaches are similar despite their differences in my view.
It’s unique. And it has its ups and downs. But I like the approach. I also liked the approach with White last year, which was to do the opposite. Different things can make sense for different prospects.
I’d also add that some of this “entitlement” may also stem from injuries to OPJ, Lauri and Hutch being AWOL. BD has limited options anyway. He may have made Willy “earn it” more or reduced his role had the roster been healthier.
I'm not confusing anything, as I am talking about in-game aggressiveness only. As I said, what he's doing away from the eyes of fans may very well be what's keeping him on the court. His improvement, and work since college over only a few months was noted by many here. My fear may be completely unfounded, but it worries me that this huge asset (work ethic) could get dulled by too many "meh" minutes w/o any playing time repercussions.
I don't look so much at the role as you appear to...I just don't see it that way, and presume that's a matter of folks' worldview. You're on the floor. You have an opportunity to make some plays, or not. There are guys that make entire careers w/o a single play drawn up for them.
Agree re: limited options that could certainly be a factor. I almost mentioned that in my post, but in haste, skipped it.
I agree with the general crew here that I've always found the "Willy" name odd...but at least humorous too. I'm glad you relented there.
Lastly, we both like Willy, Patrick, Pat, Pat Will, PWill, Patrick Williams, whatever you wanna call him (I'm not a huge fan of the whole Stacey King Paw bla bla either)..a lot. I have high hopes that he's a core piece. Think this is just a difference of opinion on how best to raise him. It's complete conjecture by us as fans, and an inexact science for even those closest (Billy, AKME...and oh man...writing this last line just made "Billy & Willy" show up in my brain for the very first time).
don't wear yourself out young fella
