3 reasons to be excited about the Chicago Bulls for the 2022-23 season

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - OCTOBER 07: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls looks on against the Denver Nuggets during the first half of a preseason game at the United Center on October 07, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 11: Head coach Billy Donovan of the Chicago Bulls talks with Patrick Williams #44 against the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of a preseason game at United Center on October 11, 2022 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

2. The battle for playing time on the wing

Patrick Williams still has a lot of time to develop into a quality starting NBA wing, but Bulls officials are understandably starting to lose patience with the No. 4 overall pick from the 2020 draft. He needs to enjoy a healthy and productive season if he expects to carve out a long tenure in Chicago.

The fact that Williams is still batting the likes of Javonte Green and Derrick Jones Jr. for playing time says all fans need to know about his NBA career to date. It’s time for Williams to step up and show he can become the high-level starter Chicago envisioned when they acquired him.

Part of that calculation for Williams will be staying available. He only played 17 games last season after recovering from a late-season injury during his rookie campaign. His absence opened the door for competitors to take his minutes.

Jones, Jr, and Green are both high-level athletes who will appeal to Donovan’s desire for improved defense on the wing. Neither has the offensive upside to be a quality wing starter for a playoff team. That’s why Williams will receive every opportunity to start on the wing unless he proves he’s utterly incapable of handling the role.

Bulls fans should keep a close eye on this battle early in the season because a trade could emerge as Chicago’s way out of the predicament. The easy path to success is for Williams to win the job. Anything else opens up a lot of trade options for Chicago’s front office.

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