The Chicago Bulls select forward Patrick Williams #4 overall.

[fleet]

The fact Williams is such a solid shooter already really has me optimistic for his development. He has ideal athleticism and size for his position (which is definitely SF all the way) so it all about the skills for him.

Agree. For a raw player he can do some individual things. The in between stuff will take a few years to learn. Mostly ball handling. He is the kind of raw player that has the ability imo to add to his skill level. The errors and mistakes can be corrected with him. That was why he was drafted so high, they think he can fill in the gaps.

[dougthonus]

Was interesting to see Wiseman on GS and Deni on Washington over the past couple games for comparison's sake.

Wiseman obviously had by far his worst game of the season so far against us, but I had glimpses of one of his other games, and I came away thinking he wasn't playing as great as his stats (which were excellent). Looked low motor frequently but had moments where his length and athleticism were massively apparent, needs to learn to just go on both ends of the court. Surprising how well he's shot from three, low volume, but ridiculously well. If that's really in his bag (which I have doubts about for many reasons), Wiseman is going to be an amazing stud though.

Adveji was also interesting. People say Williams looked like a vet, but Adveji really looked like a vet frequently to me. The ball never sticks with him, he only takes shots that are high percentage, he never tries to do things he can't do, he had his defensive mistakes, but he played really solid defense overall, made good rotations. The problem is he really looks like a vet making 5M a year.
You wonder what upside is here, but boy does he have a good floor, and I bet Wizards fans are screaming at him to try to do more even if he makes some mistakes just to push his boundaries. A few games in, I can't blame him at all for playing this way, but it makes you wonder if he will have anything else or not because you don't even see flashes of ball handling or shot creation since he refuses to even try.

Overall, from what I cant tell, this draft class is actually panning out reasonably well so far. Edwards and Ikoro are also off to good starts as are Haliburton and Vassell. LaMelo hasn't played well, Toppin has only played one game, but not well, and Okongwu hasn't played yet, but through the first weekish of the NBA season, the lottery guys have generally given fans reason to be hopeful.

[fleet]

Avija is a young vet. He's only 19, but has years of experience as a professional basketball player.

Edit: Cole Anthony is doing pretty good too. And I have nothing but high expectations for Okongwu.

[DuckIII]

The fact Williams is such a solid shooter already really has me optimistic for his development. He has ideal athleticism and size for his position (which is definitely SF all the way) so it all about the skills for him.

Agree. For a raw player he can do some individual things. The in between stuff will take a few years to learn. Mostly ball handling. He is the kind of raw player that has the ability imo to add to his skill level. The errors and mistakes can be corrected with him. That was why he was drafted so high, they think he can fill in the gaps.

I don’t actually think he’s “raw” in the way I use that term. Tyrus Thomas was raw. Tyson Chandler was raw. Giannis was raw. Those are the types to whom I apply that term.

P Willy has a surprisingly low and tight handle, can take defenders both ways off the dribble (and actually appears to prefer to go left), can change directions and pace, has good shooting form, eyes up to spot shooters, understands help defense and seems to understand spacing and positioning.

He needs time and comfort due to his unusually young age and non-traditional background for a high lottery pick (never started a college game and was a role player) to put it all together. But many of the underlying skills and awarenesses are there.

I don’t categorize him as raw. I categorize him as lacking experience.

[DuckIII]

Was interesting to see Wiseman on GS and Deni on Washington over the past couple games for comparison's sake.

Wiseman obviously had by far his worst game of the season so far against us, but I had glimpses of one of his other games, and I came away thinking he wasn't playing as great as his stats (which were excellent). Looked low motor frequently but had moments where his length and athleticism were massively apparent, needs to learn to just go on both ends of the court. Surprising how well he's shot from three, low volume, but ridiculously well. If that's really in his bag (which I have doubts about for many reasons), Wiseman is going to be an amazing stud though.

Adveji was also interesting. People say Williams looked like a vet, but Adveji really looked like a vet frequently to me. The ball never sticks with him, he only takes shots that are high percentage, he never tries to do things he can't do, he had his defensive mistakes, but he played really solid defense overall, made good rotations. The problem is he really looks like a vet making 5M a year.
You wonder what upside is here, but boy does he have a good floor, and I bet Wizards fans are screaming at him to try to do more even if he makes some mistakes just to push his boundaries. A few games in, I can't blame him at all for playing this way, but it makes you wonder if he will have anything else or not because you don't even see flashes of ball handling or shot creation since he refuses to even try.

Overall, from what I cant tell, this draft class is actually panning out reasonably well so far. Edwards and Ikoro are also off to good starts as are Haliburton and Vassell. LaMelo hasn't played well, Toppin has only played one game, but not well, and Okongwu hasn't played yet, but through the first weekish of the NBA season, the lottery guys have generally given fans reason to be hopeful.

I agree Doug. This draft class is off to a very strong start. And other guys who have not had their chance yet are going to emerge as well. Not sure where it will end up on the “superstars produced” scale, but there’s got to be quite a few happy FOs, coaches and fans out there at this early stage in the season.

I think, in hindsight, this draft class would have been much more highly valued had these players gotten an NCAA tourney to shine.

[dougthonus]

I agree Doug. This draft class is off to a very strong start. And other guys who have not had their chance yet are going to emerge as well. Not sure where it will end up on the “superstars produced” scale, but there’s got to be quite a few happy FOs, coaches and fans out there at this early stage in the season.

I think, in hindsight, this draft class would have been much more highly valued had these players gotten an NCAA tourney to shine.

Yeah, the counterpoint is, no one is playing at a star level, there is no Zion like performances coming out of this class. So it may just be a bunch of good players, I may have gotten irrationally down due to the lack of star potential and assumed they'd all be busts, but it looks like a bunch of solid guys so far.

[ZOMG]

Was interesting to see Wiseman on GS and Deni on Washington over the past couple games for comparison's sake.

Wiseman obviously had by far his worst game of the season so far against us, but I had glimpses of one of his other games, and I came away thinking he wasn't playing as great as his stats (which were excellent). Looked low motor frequently but had moments where his length and athleticism were massively apparent, needs to learn to just go on both ends of the court. Surprising how well he's shot from three, low volume, but ridiculously well. If that's really in his bag (which I have doubts about for many reasons), Wiseman is going to be an amazing stud though.

Adveji was also interesting. People say Williams looked like a vet, but Adveji really looked like a vet frequently to me. The ball never sticks with him, he only takes shots that are high percentage, he never tries to do things he can't do, he had his defensive mistakes, but he played really solid defense overall, made good rotations. The problem is he really looks like a vet making 5M a year.
You wonder what upside is here, but boy does he have a good floor, and I bet Wizards fans are screaming at him to try to do more even if he makes some mistakes just to push his boundaries. A few games in, I can't blame him at all for playing this way, but it makes you wonder if he will have anything else or not because you don't even see flashes of ball handling or shot creation since he refuses to even try.

Overall, from what I cant tell, this draft class is actually panning out reasonably well so far. Edwards and Ikoro are also off to good starts as are Haliburton and Vassell. LaMelo hasn't played well, Toppin has only played one game, but not well, and Okongwu hasn't played yet, but through the first weekish of the NBA season, the lottery guys have generally given fans reason to be hopeful.

I agree Doug. This draft class is off to a very strong start. And other guys who have not had their chance yet are going to emerge as well. Not sure where it will end up on the “superstars produced” scale, but there’s got to be quite a few happy FOs, coaches and fans out there at this early stage in the season.

I think, in hindsight, this draft class would have been much more highly valued had these players gotten an NCAA tourney to shine.

The main "problem" with this draft class was always that there weren't any potential superstars / franchise-level talents (with the possible exception of Wiseman). And that remains true. This was a role player draft, and as such, looks nice and deep.

[DuckIII]

I agree Doug. This draft class is off to a very strong start. And other guys who have not had their chance yet are going to emerge as well. Not sure where it will end up on the “superstars produced” scale, but there’s got to be quite a few happy FOs, coaches and fans out there at this early stage in the season.

I think, in hindsight, this draft class would have been much more highly valued had these players gotten an NCAA tourney to shine.

Yeah, the counterpoint is, no one is playing at a star level, there is no Zion like performances coming out of this class. So it may just be a bunch of good players, I may have gotten irrationally down due to the lack of star potential and assumed they'd all be busts, but it looks like a bunch of solid guys so far.

Agree. You don’t have that Zion, Luke or Ja type of guy where early on you go, damn he’s a franchise player. And as with most drafts we can assume a legit star or two are going to emerge at some point. But it looks very solid.

[DuckIII]

Was interesting to see Wiseman on GS and Deni on Washington over the past couple games for comparison's sake.

Wiseman obviously had by far his worst game of the season so far against us, but I had glimpses of one of his other games, and I came away thinking he wasn't playing as great as his stats (which were excellent). Looked low motor frequently but had moments where his length and athleticism were massively apparent, needs to learn to just go on both ends of the court. Surprising how well he's shot from three, low volume, but ridiculously well. If that's really in his bag (which I have doubts about for many reasons), Wiseman is going to be an amazing stud though.

Adveji was also interesting. People say Williams looked like a vet, but Adveji really looked like a vet frequently to me. The ball never sticks with him, he only takes shots that are high percentage, he never tries to do things he can't do, he had his defensive mistakes, but he played really solid defense overall, made good rotations. The problem is he really looks like a vet making 5M a year.
You wonder what upside is here, but boy does he have a good floor, and I bet Wizards fans are screaming at him to try to do more even if he makes some mistakes just to push his boundaries. A few games in, I can't blame him at all for playing this way, but it makes you wonder if he will have anything else or not because you don't even see flashes of ball handling or shot creation since he refuses to even try.

Overall, from what I cant tell, this draft class is actually panning out reasonably well so far. Edwards and Ikoro are also off to good starts as are Haliburton and Vassell. LaMelo hasn't played well, Toppin has only played one game, but not well, and Okongwu hasn't played yet, but through the first weekish of the NBA season, the lottery guys have generally given fans reason to be hopeful.

I agree Doug. This draft class is off to a very strong start. And other guys who have not had their chance yet are going to emerge as well. Not sure where it will end up on the “superstars produced” scale, but there’s got to be quite a few happy FOs, coaches and fans out there at this early stage in the season.

I think, in hindsight, this draft class would have been much more highly valued had these players gotten an NCAA tourney to shine.

The main "problem" with this draft class was always that there weren't any potential superstars / franchise-level talents (with the possible exception of Wiseman). And that remains true. This was a role player draft, and as such, looks nice and deep.

Depends on how you use the terminology. I think there are a wide range of points on the spectrum between “role player” and “superstar.” But I know some people use that terms as more of absolutes. Regardless I agree it looks deep.

[Indomitable]

The fact Williams is such a solid shooter already really has me optimistic for his development. He has ideal athleticism and size for his position (which is definitely SF all the way) so it all about the skills for him.

Agree. For a raw player he can do some individual things. The in between stuff will take a few years to learn. Mostly ball handling. He is the kind of raw player that has the ability imo to add to his skill level. The errors and mistakes can be corrected with him. That was why he was drafted so high, they think he can fill in the gaps.

I don’t actually think he’s “raw” in the way I use that term. Tyrus Thomas was raw. Tyson Chandler was raw. Giannis was raw. Those are the types to whom I apply that term.

P Willy has a surprisingly low and tight handle, can take defenders both ways off the dribble (and actually appears to prefer to go left), can change directions and pace, has good shooting form, eyes up to spot shooters, understands help defense and seems to understand spacing and positioning.

He needs time and comfort due to his unusually young age and non-traditional background for a high lottery pick (never started a college game and was a role player) to put it all together. But many of the underlying skills and awarenesses are there.

I don’t categorize him as raw. I categorize him as lacking experience.

Most of his miss come when he tries to do to much. He needs to keep simple for now.

[Chi town]

Was interesting to see Wiseman on GS and Deni on Washington over the past couple games for comparison's sake.

Wiseman obviously had by far his worst game of the season so far against us, but I had glimpses of one of his other games, and I came away thinking he wasn't playing as great as his stats (which were excellent). Looked low motor frequently but had moments where his length and athleticism were massively apparent, needs to learn to just go on both ends of the court. Surprising how well he's shot from three, low volume, but ridiculously well. If that's really in his bag (which I have doubts about for many reasons), Wiseman is going to be an amazing stud though.

Adveji was also interesting. People say Williams looked like a vet, but Adveji really looked like a vet frequently to me. The ball never sticks with him, he only takes shots that are high percentage, he never tries to do things he can't do, he had his defensive mistakes, but he played really solid defense overall, made good rotations. The problem is he really looks like a vet making 5M a year.
You wonder what upside is here, but boy does he have a good floor, and I bet Wizards fans are screaming at him to try to do more even if he makes some mistakes just to push his boundaries. A few games in, I can't blame him at all for playing this way, but it makes you wonder if he will have anything else or not because you don't even see flashes of ball handling or shot creation since he refuses to even try.

Overall, from what I cant tell, this draft class is actually panning out reasonably well so far. Edwards and Ikoro are also off to good starts as are Haliburton and Vassell. LaMelo hasn't played well, Toppin has only played one game, but not well, and Okongwu hasn't played yet, but through the first weekish of the NBA season, the lottery guys have generally given fans reason to be hopeful.

I agree Doug. This draft class is off to a very strong start. And other guys who have not had their chance yet are going to emerge as well. Not sure where it will end up on the “superstars produced” scale, but there’s got to be quite a few happy FOs, coaches and fans out there at this early stage in the season.

I think, in hindsight, this draft class would have been much more highly valued had these players gotten an NCAA tourney to shine.

Also think this class is benefitting big time from no crowds and thereby pressure. Obviously no summer league and little training camp has its effects as well.

[sco]

Outside of what I'm still calling unproven 3pt shooting, I have been surprised by his handle, vision and passing. I think he has potential to become a point forward in 2-3 seasons, which is today's NBA ideal. This year, I'd be absolutely fine with him focusing on defense, opportunistic plays and playing within the offense as a 4th/5th option guy.

[madvillian]

Outside of what I'm still calling unproven 3pt shooting, I have been surprised by his handle, vision and passing. I think he has potential to become a point forward in 2-3 seasons, which is today's NBA ideal. This year, I'd be absolutely fine with him focusing on defense, opportunistic plays and playing within the offense as a 4th/5th option guy.

He's had a couple mental lapses with the ball but for the most part I'd put playmaking as a positive surprise so far. He has some vision and can find guys off the bounce on occasion. I think it's smart to keep giving him most of his minutes on the wing. He can always move to PF in a few years if his body grows into it but for now he's learning to play on the wing and doing a good job.

[PhilLeotardo]

This draft class is still pretty sad/trash, and I still say Poku/Williams (two guys who didn’t even go top 3, and one who was a shocker in the top 5) have the highest ceilings of the lot

It’s the opening of the weirdest season in NBA history, all the vets & mainstays are mailing it in & taking it easy (which still isn’t preventing injuries), there are no crowds, etc. that’s always a recipe for scrubs to show out

2020 class compared to 2021 isn’t even close. ‘21 crushes it to smithereens. The #1 pick in 2020 draft would likely be going #6-7 in 2021. That says it all right there

[R3AL1TY]

I think Pat is pretty close to the level of a player like OG Anunoby already, but still far from guys like Siakam, Jerami Grant, Ingram and even Otto when he's in shape. Once he continues to develop, he can get there.

[DorO]

PWill is Bulls best pick for years and years after mediocre #7s, still hope that Coby could be something one day (wendell/lauri are probably already mentally gone). PWill shooting high % FTs is encouriging for further improved shooting and the awareness in D is already there. Baller.

[HomoSapien]

I agree Doug. This draft class is off to a very strong start. And other guys who have not had their chance yet are going to emerge as well. Not sure where it will end up on the “superstars produced” scale, but there’s got to be quite a few happy FOs, coaches and fans out there at this early stage in the season.

I think, in hindsight, this draft class would have been much more highly valued had these players gotten an NCAA tourney to shine.

Yeah, the counterpoint is, no one is playing at a star level, there is no Zion like performances coming out of this class. So it may just be a bunch of good players, I may have gotten irrationally down due to the lack of star potential and assumed they'd all be busts, but it looks like a bunch of solid guys so far.

Agree. You don’t have that Zion, Luke or Ja type of guy where early on you go, damn he’s a franchise player. And as with most drafts we can assume a legit star or two are going to emerge at some point. But it looks very solid.

Because there was no tourney, I think we're going to find players from all over the draft excelling. This was probably the year to have multiple picks late in the first round (or early 2nd), because scouting is likely going to be significantly off/incomplete.

[beeshma]

I was horrified by PWill's stat line against Washington. 1 rebound and no free throws in 20 minutes of play. He had 2 assists though. I am having weird flashbacks to the Doug McDermott era...remember when he would lay a bunch of eggs for his stat line every night?

https://www.espn.com/nba/boxscore?gameId=401267210

[jgonboricua]

does anyone think he can reach the "Jimmy Butler" type talent, or a top 15 nba type talent

[HomoSapien]

The fact Williams is such a solid shooter already really has me optimistic for his development. He has ideal athleticism and size for his position (which is definitely SF all the way) so it all about the skills for him.

Agree. For a raw player he can do some individual things. The in between stuff will take a few years to learn. Mostly ball handling. He is the kind of raw player that has the ability imo to add to his skill level. The errors and mistakes can be corrected with him. That was why he was drafted so high, they think he can fill in the gaps.

I don’t actually think he’s “raw” in the way I use that term. Tyrus Thomas was raw. Tyson Chandler was raw. Giannis was raw. Those are the types to whom I apply that term.

P Willy has a surprisingly low and tight handle, can take defenders both ways off the dribble (and actually appears to prefer to go left), can change directions and pace, has good shooting form, eyes up to spot shooters, understands help defense and seems to understand spacing and positioning.

He needs time and comfort due to his unusually young age and non-traditional background for a high lottery pick (never started a college game and was a role player) to put it all together. But many of the underlying skills and awarenesses are there.

I don’t categorize him as raw. I categorize him as lacking experience.

Agreed. If I didn't know anything about him before watching him play, I'd probably assume he was a Covington/Ariza type of vet who just knows how to play the right way.

Once he gets his rebounding down, he's going to cement his floor as valuable 3&D role player. If he can learn how to become more assertive, then we can start talking about potential building block.