The Chicago Bulls brought back the majority of their roster from last season with hopes of taking a leap past their first-round playoff loss.
As for taking an individual leap, Bulls forward Patrick Williams is confident in his growth as a player, which is a necessity for Chicago to ascend in the Eastern Conference.
Williams spoke to the media after Sunday’s practice on his progress this season.
“I told you I was going to figure it out. I think I’m still figuring it out. But I’m 100 percent locked in on being the player that I want to be,” Williams said following Sunday’s practice. “I always felt I had what it took to be a really good player in this league. But now I’m starting to feel like I have what it takes to be a star and a superstar in this league. I’m kind of trying to take that role on and build on it day-by-day.”
On media day, Bulls coach Billy Donovan said that the team needed Williams to ‘take another step’ for not just his own growth as a player but for the team to reach another level.
“I think it’s definitely a team effort. Guys have been telling me this since my rookie year and before that since high school and college. Kind of trying to take it in my own mind now and show that on the court,” Williams said.
Williams started the season off slow as he struggled with being aggressive on the offensive end, which led to Donovan opting to give more minutes to guys like Javonte Green. But, over the last nine games, Williams is averaging 11.2 points while shooting 50% from the floor and 56.7% from 3-point range.
“I think I started out in a slump, and I got myself out of that. Obviously, the coaching staff and talking to my teammates definitely helped. But I think I got myself out of that just mentally,” Williams said. “I know it hurts the team when I don’t play as well on either end. I’m pretty proud of myself just in terms of how I went about it. Tried to be the same guy each day I came in here and continued to talk to my teammates.”
With Williams’ confidence growing, the Bulls’ third-year forward could finally start reaching his potential.
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