Patrick Williams Draws Latest Comparison To Two-Time NBA Champion
Patrick Williams has exceeded expectations since drafting fourth overall in 2020. Part of the scrutiny comes from All-Star players like Tyrese Haliburton Williams jumping years ahead and eight draft slots being picked after the Bulls pick the Windy City because they knew what could have been . Haliburton is the prime example, but several other players have progressed further than Williams despite being picked later, and simply put, for a top-five pick, Patrick Williams hasn’t lived up to the hype. A six-time All-Star says the young Florida State forward still has the potential to become one of the greatest two-way players of this generation, and arguably of all time.
Kudos to DeRozan
DeMar DeRozan has always been in a class at being a veteran in the locker room, supporting young players and being a mentor as they navigate the NBA. Patrick Williams was his latest example and when asked what the 21-year-old forward is capable of, DeRozan received rave reviews.
“I hate comparing guys to other guys, I rarely do that, but he reminds me of Kawhi Leonard. I know this got kicked out, but his physique, the way he moves, everything. Kawhis one of the greatest players to have played this gameand that is high praise at this point. That’s how I see becoming Pat.”
DeMar DeRozan via Chicago Sun-Times
DeRozan didn’t stop at the two-time NBA champion comparison, but went above and beyond in his praise of Williams.
“Have you ever seen the ‘Superman’ movies? he is on earth has these great powers but don’t know how to refine them, maximize them. It’s something like that. That’s Pat right now.”
DeMar DeRozan via Chicago Sun-Times
crash into reality
Unfortunately, while player comparisons and future best wishes are fun and games, Patrick Williams still has a long way to go to even remotely match Leonard’s skill, career success or championship pedigree.
By his third year, Leonard was a first-team all-rookie and had increased his averages by five points, one assist, one rebound, and nearly one block-plus-steal per game. His shooting ratings also increased in all zones, and he appeared in his first Finals, drawing the contract from LeBron James at what was arguably his all-time high. William’s resume is just the opposite. The only stats above that have improved since his rookie campaign are his points per game by a single point and his three-point percentage has increased slightly by 2%. A second-team all-rookie and a playoff streak are all the former Florida State forward has to boast of in his young career so far.
hope on the horizon
While the box score numbers and career accolades aren’t jumping off the page for the 21-year-old, Bulls fans know he’s shown minimal upside in his game. His defense is menacing, his three-point shooting is among the best on the team, and his sporadic rebounds and attacks at the basket have proven he’s an all-rounder who can become a star over time. Since Patrick Beverley’s acquisition, Williams has come off the bench for Chicago and has enjoyed a surge in efficiency, shooting 63% from field and over 45% from three-point land in his last five contests.
It’s always been a two-pronged issue for Williams. One is his unwavering confidence because he looks like a very different player in attack mode than when he’s off the gas. The other is its use and opportunity, which head coach Billy Donovan was trying to solve with his recent lineup change.
Looking at his stats since that move, Donovan could be on the right track with his third-year striker. Williams has taken the adjustment in stride and remains focused on his development rather than worrying about a starting role.
“It’s hard not to be confident when you’re always on your teammates’ butts stay aggressive and shoot the ball,”…”I think, it just occurs to me, honestly. Only my mindset comes into play and stays aggressive. It won’t happen if I don’t do it.”
Patrick Williams on the Chicago Sun-Times
Though only Chicago fans know the name, will the entire league soon have reason to fear the one they call “The Paw,” after Kawhi Leonard’s famous “The Klaw”?