Say what you want, but the Chicago Bulls gave us the surprise of the draft.
The moment Pat became a Bull ❤️@ATT | @PatrickLW4 pic.twitter.com/hVAlsUCs1d
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 19, 2020
With the No. 4 overall pick, the organization selected Patrick Williams – a player that has been rising up draft boards in recent weeks. He may not be the most popular name among Bulls fans, but all signs point to him being a favorite among NBA scouts. The guy is an athletic freak, who offers elite position size at the small forward position.
And by size, I mean LEGS:
— Mr. Jackpots (Normal) (@Cosmis) November 19, 2020
• General Manager Marc Eversley described the pick to ESPN shortly after it went through, and if you’re having a hard time understanding the decision, it should clear some things up:
Bulls GM Marc Eversley tells ESPN that Patrick Williams’ versatility on both sides is what was most attractive. They took calls, but were ultimately confident in the pick. He also won them over during dinner after his LA workout. Bulls see him as swing,wing and small-ball 4 guy.
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) November 19, 2020
• Many folks believe the Bulls could have traded down the draft board for Williams, and according to Eversley, they did take calls. However, clearly, nothing came through and the Bulls just took him. What does that tell us? They are very high on Williams.
• I know we (collectively) probably haven’t seen a lot of him so far, but take it from someone who has:
Covered Patrick Williams all last year, did a bunch of his games.
Superb young man.
DRose quietness.Head down, just wants to get better.
Chicago gonna LOVE him. Elite athlete, high level defender and rebounder. Legit catch and shoot guy, needs to improve as scorer on ball.
— jordan cornette (@jordancornette) November 19, 2020
• Here are some other big basketball brains on the pick:
The Spurs have loved Patrick Williams for a long time, but he skyrocketed during the pre-draft process—this isn't a "reach" for the Bulls. Teams rave about his character and work ethic, nevermind his upside at 6-8 as a super versatile defender who flashes on-ball scoring skill.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) November 19, 2020
Bulls believe Williams has NBA-ready body and fits into philosophy of fielding roster of athletic, versatile two-way players. Handled ball in high school. They view him as being able to guard 4 positions and play 3 offensively.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 19, 2020
Patrick Williams played in an all-switch defense at FSU and can guard any spot. Has to be a better outside shooter. He just turned 19 in August. Both parents played ball. May not have been an obvious choice at #4. But all my ACC people love the guy.
— Adam Amin (@adamamin) November 19, 2020
https://twitter.com/TheAthleticNBA/status/1329236098124558341?s=20
• And here are some other things to help calm your nerves:
Dear #Bulls fans… pic.twitter.com/vvHmp5B7qX
— Silvy (@WaddleandSilvy) November 19, 2020
I find it amusing that so many of you out there don’t like the Bulls pick. You have no idea who Patrick Williams is. Kid is the 2nd youngest player in the draft. Multiple NBA sources say teams tried to trade in front of the Bulls to grab him. F’ing Relax. Let’s see how this goes.
— David Kaplan (@thekapman) November 19, 2020
Do not worry about Patrick Williams not starting at FSU. Coach Hamilton plays a platoon system where he liked the firepower from Williams coming off bench. Him and Vassell were most talented pair on team. If anything, speaks to his team mentality. He still got his mins and SHINED
— jordan cornette (@jordancornette) November 19, 2020
• You must always enjoy highlights on draft night:
From @FSUHoops to Chicago!
Here’s what @PatrickLW4 brings to the Bulls. pic.twitter.com/18eIOly2X5
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) November 19, 2020
• Patrick Williams and Coby White are gonna be best friends:
Patrick Williams: "I definitely talk to Coby a lot, not per se about Chicago but about the predraft process and what to expect about the NBA. We talk, I would say, every other day since I declared for the draft. He's been a big help."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 19, 2020
https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/1329251443489067010?s=20
• This team is YOUNG.
19 years old – Patrick Williams
20 years old – Coby White
21 years old – Wendell Carter Jr.
22 years old – Daniel Gafford
23 years old – Lauri Markkanen
25 years old – Zach LaVine— Michael Cerami (@Michael_Cerami) November 19, 2020
Don’t let the unknown ruin your relationship with this new front office and the new era Chicago Bulls. If there was any draft to just go for the highest prospect on your draft board, this was the one. The Bulls have a vision, and it’s time for all of us who begged for change to embrace that vision. Patrick Williams has the makings of a real stud. He is a 19-year-old with a ton of upside. Sit down, have a drink, and give the man a chance.
More later. Go Bulls!