THE ROOK WILL COOK!
Billy Donovan must have liked what he saw over the Bulls final two preseason games because 19-year-old Patrick Williams will make his first real NBA start tonight when the Bulls tip-off their season against the Atlanta Hawks.
Rookie Patrick Williams WILL START in his official NBA debut.
He becomes the youngest in Bulls history to start in their first game of the season. pic.twitter.com/5GwRstHQSu
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) December 24, 2020
In the preseason, he averaged 11.3 points and 4.0 rebounds and shot 48.6 from the field and 42.9 percent from downtown. He looked nothing but comfortable in his four total games of action, and provided a solid boost of athleticism and versatility on both ends of the floor.
If Donovan felt comfortable enough to make him the youngest Bull ever to start their first game of the season, it sure does tells us a lot about the progress he has made behind the scenes. What it also tells us is that the Bulls are going to carefully monitor Otto Porter’s situation. Donovan has said numerous times that he wants to ensure the veteran’s health this season, and one good way to do that is to let him clock a few less minutes by coming off the bench. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that he adds a grounded presence to a second unit that is no absent of hot-hand Coby White.
To sum up this decision: PATRICK WILLIAMS IS GOING TO DEF BE ROOKIE OF THE YEAR AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO TO STOP HIM!