While the season is only seven games old, the Chicago Bulls look to be one of the most struggle-filled teams in the league. They currently sit at 2-5 on the season, with three of their five losses coming by way of a double-digit deficit. Nothing seems to be going right, and they’ve already had to make a starting lineup change.
Head coach Billy Donovan recently moved Patrick Williams to the bench, placing Torrey Craig in his place at the starting power forward position. Williams reacted to the move with a sense of professionalism, but he’s also in a weird spot, as he’ll be a restricted free agent next summer.
However, ahead of the Bulls’ eventual loss to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night, Donovan revealed that Chicago wants to keep Williams around for the long haul.
“I do know that the goal is to have Patrick here for the long term,” Donovan said. “That, I would say, has been pretty consistent all the way through.”
Through the Bulls’ first seven games, Williams is playing 23.0 minutes per game and averaging 5.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. He’s shooting 32.6% from the field and 16.7% from behind the three-point line.
If Williams doesn’t turn his season around, the Bulls could have a very tough decision to make next summer in regard to a contract extension.
