NEWSLETTER
After stringing together by far his best performance of the season, Patrick Williams had a confession.
While speaking with reporters after the team’s 135-130 overtime win against the Los Angeles Clippers, Williams said he was late for the team’s morning routine.
???I???m not sure if you guys know, but I was also late to shoot around this morning,” Williams shockingly admitted. “I just felt like I let the guys down. I had missed some of the film session, so I feel like I had let the guys down, so tonight I wanted to come out here and give it my all. Let the guys know that I???m still locked in.
At this point in the season, we can???t afford to have guys late to shoot around, things like that. I definitely apologized to those guys, and I just said I was going to give it my all tonight.???
Given that it all resulted in the fourth double-double of his young career, I think it can be forgiven.
The second-year forward put 10 points on the board along with 12 rebounds in a career-high 37 minutes of action. He knocked down a couple of 3-pointers in the 4th quarter and OT, as well as finishing two thunderous dunks, the first of which will have me suing SportsCenter if it doesn’t crack their Top-10 Plays.
PAT POSTER: You Have to See This Monster Slam From Patrick Williams!https://t.co/oh1PgldEI8 pic.twitter.com/R3UAdHDFZs
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) April 1, 2022
Williams went on to share he had no excuse for the late arrival, and he also said he did get fined by the team.
The fact Williams fessed up in front of reporters after the game felt like a closer look into his character. But for as admirable as the youthful sincerity was, DeMar DeRozan was in utter shock when he learned his 20-year-old teammate spilled the beans.
???He said that? I???ve got to tell him not to say that to the media. He???s trippin???. He’s got to learn. Damn, why did he say that? Sh*t,” DeRozan said with a smile of disbelief.
“Yeah, he was late. You get on him. Then, at the same time, you turn into a joke, but you definitely get on him. I said something to him, and then after that you turn it into a joke. He made sure he was an hour early to his time today, so you definitely be on him. It won???t happen again.???
I can see where DeRozan’s shock stems from. Not only is it a bit surprising for a player to be this open, but it’s true that sometimes things like this can be better handled behind the scenes. While I commend Williams for sharing part of the reason why he felt eager to step up, the last thing he or the team wants is for it to negatively impact how people perceive him.
I can only speak for myself, but Williams’ tardiness doesn’t change any of my thoughts about his devotion or character. We all make mistakes, and it already looks like Williams has learned from his.
