Williams will start at power forward in Bulls' opener
During preseason, Bulls coach Billy Donovan told reporters he'd make a one-time exception about not revealing his lineup ahead of time by naming Ayo Dosunmu the starting point guard.
He broke his own rule again Tuesday at the Advocate Center, announcing Patrick Williams will start at power forward in Wednesday's season opener at Miami.
"I just think he can be a key component to our team and key contributor and he can help us," Donovan said. "I think he's had a good offseason, I think he's had a good training camp."
This move qualifies as a mild surprise.
Heading into training camp, Williams was the expected starter. But then the Bulls delivered their best preseason performance against Toronto with Javonte Green in the starting lineup. So maybe Williams would be a better fit with the second unit where he wouldn't have to compete for shots with DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine.
"I'm not that wrapped up in the starting part as much as how we're subbing off the bench, who's coming in next," Donovan said. "It could be a situation where Patrick plays and we stagger him with the second unit and we get Javonte out there with the first unit. You've got to look at the totality of the game."
Regarding the idea Williams will have the freedom to be more aggressive by playing with the second unit, Donovan corrected the question.
"I think that is a misused term with him," Donovan said. "What I mean by that is I think people look at the word aggressiveness and they think he's supposed to get the ball and score. That's not to me what aggressiveness is.
"He needs to go to the backboard and offensive rebound. He needs to get out in transition and run. He needs to be a disrupter on the defensive end, he needs to defensive rebound. Now if he's got the ball and he's got opportunities, by all means take it."
Improvement from Williams is important for the Bulls' success, but it's going to take time. Williams turned 21 in August and missed nearly all of last season with a wrist injury. Donovan suggested the third-year pro from Florida State has gotten past one barrier.
"It all starts with what kind of condition you're in," Donovan said. "It's hard to be aggressive if you're not in great shape and I think he's worked really hard to get himself in good shape going into the season."
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