Chicago Bulls: Pro comparisons for Patrick Williams, Marko Simonovic
By Ryan Heckman
Patrick Williams
Pro Comparisons: Jeff Green, Taj Gibson
In Patrick Williams, the Bulls are getting a player they see as a strong three and a small ball four. He’s the perfect size for this type of player at 6-foot-8, but his wingspan is over 7-feet wide.
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The defensive intangibles are there. Watching Williams’ ability to guard multiple positions, you can’t help but think of a guy like Jeff Green. His athleticism around the hoop reminds you of a former Bull, Taj Gibson. Williams is somewhere in between those two.
Because Florida State was such a well-rounded, deep team, Williams didn’t get a chance to start. But, he was more like their glue guy. He did a lot of things well and held everyone together on the court — a lot like Gibson used to do in Chicago.
Chicago is getting someone who cares deeply about playing defense and out-working everyone else on the court. He will gladly step out and guard the opposition’s best player, and he’ll do it with pride.
Williams has some work to do offensively, but he has the release and athleticism to become a better scorer as a pro. Jeff Green was one of the league’s ultimate 3-and-D guys, and that’s the type of player Chicago is hoping to get in Williams.
In his final collegiate season, Jeff Green posted averages of 17.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 1.4 blocks and 1.0 steals per 40 minutes. Williams, meanwhile, averaged 16.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and 1.8 steals per 40 minutes.
With the focus on player development now, the Bulls could see Williams turn into a very good player and potentially a strong starter at the three spot.