This is a rough way for Chicago to start training camp next week.
Patrick Williams, projected to be the Bulls’ starting power forward, is out 4-6 weeks with a sprained ankle suffered in a voluntary workout, the team announced.
Injury Updates:
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) September 24, 2021
Coby White (shoulder) has made steady progress over the past 4 months, is anticipated to make a full return in Nov.
Patrick Williams sustained a severe left ankle sprain during an optional individual workout, is anticipated to make a full return in 4-to-6 weeks.
That 4-6 week timeline has Williams returning a few weeks into the season.
The Bulls loaded up on talent both this offseason — Lonzo Ball, DeMar DeRozan — and at the trade deadline last season with Nikola Vucevic. The idea is to put enough quality players around Zach LaVine that the Bulls both win and convince LaVine to stay as a free agent next summer (the Olympian will have options if he signals he wants to leave the Bulls, something he has not done to this point).
While those additions shrunk the offensive pressure on Williams, he will be critical for them defensively — and that is the end of the court where the Bulls will need the most help. The Bulls need him to be a Swiss Army Knife/glue player that helps all that talent fit this season. The Bulls need Williams to step up this season. He looked like he could be that guy at Summer League — averaging 21 points a game and shooting 43.8% from 3 — but it’s very different to do that against NBA-level competition.
This season will be a real test of what Williams can become as a player.
But that will have to wait at least a month.