The Chicago Bulls entered the 2024-25 season with Zach LaVine and Nikola Vucevic as their clear leaders. But as the season went on, the spotlight began to shine on younger players like Josh Giddey, Coby White and that rookie Matas Buzelis. That left Patrick Williams—once the team’s top pick—in an unfamiliar role. Despite signing that massive five-year, $90 million contract, Williams has seen his playing time dwindle. And with it, questions about his future here have started to swirl. Recently, Williams spoke with the Chicago Sun-Times about his season so far.
Williams’ Struggles on the Court
Williams’ 2024-25 campaign has been marked by injuries and inconsistent play. He’s played in just 57 games, averaging 8.8 points and 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting just 38.6% from the field. With Buzelis now starting over him, Williams’ playing time has—understandably—dwindled.
Through all that, though, Williams remains focused on what really matters.
“When we win, I’m having fun, no matter how I’m playing,” Williams said. “I come from a culture where winning was everything. At Florida State, when you win, everyone gets taken care of. You get to hold up that trophy together.”
A Player Searching for Answers
Williams admitted that his current struggles go beyond just making or missing shots—it’s about the energy and effort he brings to the floor.
“That’s kind of what got me to this point, holding myself to that high bar, you can say,” Williams explained. “And it’s not necessarily making or missing shots but how I’m playing, the energy I’m playing with. When that doesn’t happen, then something has to change. . . . But the only thing that can change it is a change in me.”
At just 23 years old , Williams still has time to turn things around. However, the combination of his hefty contract and reduced role has put his future with the Bulls in question.
Can Patrick Williams Reclaim His Spot?
With the Bulls pivoting to younger talent like Buzelis , Giddey , and White , Williams’ path back to prominence isn’t clear. While his comments suggest a player committed to self-improvement, the reality is that his opportunities may be limited moving forward.
Still, Williams’ youth and athleticism leave room for optimism. If he can rediscover the form that made him a top draft pick, he could carve out a meaningful role—not just for the Bulls, but potentially for another team down the line.