NEWSLETTER
After 63 games on the sideline, we can finally see a Patrick Williams return on the horizon!
After announcing he expected Williams to return within the month earlier this week, head coach Billy Donovan has now told reporters that Williams has been cleared for full-contact practice. Williams had previously been working with the team on a minimal-contact basis.
https://twitter.com/chicagobulls/status/1504244965236424710?s=20&t=3A_4agw0t0Ev5IXY4NPwUw
Patrick Williams (wrist) is cleared for full contact, Billy Donovan says.
He could get work with the Windy City Bulls in the coming days. That plan hasn't been completely set yet.
— Cody Westerlund (@CodyWesterlund) March 16, 2022
Williams is in Chicago and will remain there while Bulls are in Utah (tonight) and Phoenix (on Friday) https://t.co/XYfHJfWV7d
— Rob Schaefer (@rob_schaef) March 16, 2022
Donovan also clarified that Williams will not rejoin the team this week. The team’s 2020 No. 4-overall pick is currently back in Chicago and will remain there as the Bulls finish their West road trip with games tonight and Friday. In the meantime, Williams will likely put in work with the Windy City Bulls, with Donovan even suggesting that he could suit up for a game.
Donovan added that playing in a G League game with Windy City is on the table. Donovan said next Monday's game vs. Raptors is a longshot but things are trending positively. https://t.co/dj5Lm7Wjeg
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) March 16, 2022
After the Windy City Bulls’ game tonight, they will play in Hoffman Estates on Sunday against the Westchester Knicks. We should all keep our eyes on this matchup as a possible opportunity for Williams to get his legs back under him.
We should also keep our eye on Monday’s home game against the Toronto Raptors. While we shouldn’t necessarily expect the Bulls to throw Williams back into the fire this quickly, time is limited to ramp him up for the playoffs. Not to mention, this is the team’s only home game before a five-game road trip. Allowing Williams to make his return in front of the home crowd – even if it’s on an assumed minutes restriction – doesn’t sound like the worst idea.
Regardless of the timing, I think it’s safe to say next week is when we should see our first look at Williams since October, and that’s all kinds of exciting!
