Patrick Williams #44 of the Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are eager to snap a two-game losing streak, and they may have a major piece returning to the fold this Friday against the Charlotte Hornets. Fifth-year forward Patrick Williams, who has been sidelined since November 18 with a foot injury, is set to rejoin the lineup. However, his return could present the Bulls with a dilemma, according to The Athletic’s Darnell Mayberry.
As Williams works his way back into game shape, he faces the challenge of sharing the court with a rising star: Matas Buzelis, the Bulls’ prized 2024 lottery pick. Over the past 10 games, Buzelis has emerged as a pleasant surprise, stepping into a more prominent role and showing off his skills in spectacular fashion. But with Williams’ impending return, the Bulls are left grappling with the question: who gets the lion’s share of minutes at forward moving forward?
The Emergence of Matas Buzelis
Buzelis, the No. 11 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, has made the most of his increased playing time in Williams’ absence. After averaging just 8.3 minutes per game during the first stretch of the season, Buzelis has been thrust into a more significant role, playing over 18 minutes per game during the last nine contests. And he’s delivered.
Since Williams’ injury, Buzelis has posted impressive numbers: 9.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game, all while shooting 45.6% from the field and 37.1% from three. His development has been undeniable, and with each passing game, it’s becoming harder to overlook the potential of the young prospect.
Mayberry noted that Buzelis’ eye-popping performances have created an interesting situation for the Bulls. As head coach Billy Donovan has pointed out, Buzelis “had to earn his minutes,” but now, with Williams set to return, the Bulls face the tough decision of how to balance their rotation. Should Buzelis continue to earn a significant role, or will the team prioritize developing Williams, the 2020 top-five draft pick who has yet to live up to the lofty expectations?
Williams’ Struggles and the Dilemma Ahead
For all his promise, Williams’ production this season has been inconsistent. He’s averaging 9.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game, and while his shooting—especially from beyond the arc (39.4%)—has been solid, he has struggled with injuries and a lack of aggression at times. In the two games before his injury, Williams showed improvement with a 10.3/5.3/2.5 stat line, but it’s been a case of “what could be” rather than consistent high-level play.
The reality for the Bulls is that Williams’ performances haven’t quite matched the expectations set by his high draft status and lucrative contract extension—worth $90 million over five years. Mayberry pointed out that, despite Williams’ raw potential, his time in Chicago may be growing increasingly uncertain, especially with the rise of Buzelis. The idea of playing Williams over a more promising young prospect like Buzelis might not sit well with the Bulls’ rebuilding goals, making this a tricky situation.
How the Bulls Can Maximize Both Players
Despite the growing tension, the Bulls have shown glimpses of how both Williams and Buzelis can be effective together. While the sample size is small, certain lineups featuring both players have produced positive results. A combination of Williams and Buzelis alongside key players like Zach LaVine, Nikola Vučević, and reserve Dalen Terry has yielded an impressive +33.0 net rating. Similarly, another group with Buzelis, Williams, Coby White, Josh Giddey, and Jalen Smith has posted a +40.0 net rating.
Though these lineups are based on limited minutes (none exceeding seven possessions), they hint at the potential for a dynamic pairing of Williams and Buzelis. The Bulls may need to experiment further to see how they can leverage both players’ talents while maintaining balance across the roster.
What’s Next for the Bulls?
As Williams prepares to return, coach Billy Donovan will need to carefully navigate this crowded forward rotation. The team’s defensive struggles this season highlight the need for a versatile defender like Williams, but with Buzelis’ rapid development, the Bulls may find themselves needing to find a balance between their established veteran and the emerging rookie.
The Bulls have struggled with inconsistency, and the return of Williams could give the team the spark they need to get back on track. But it could also force the Bulls to confront an uncomfortable reality: they might need to shift priorities and continue developing Buzelis—especially if his growth continues at this pace.
With the Bulls already in a rebuilding phase, it would be a “misguided” move to stunt Buzelis’ development in favor of Williams’ inconsistent play, as Mayberry put it. But, with Williams’ potential still very much on the table, it’s clear the Bulls have a delicate decision ahead of them.
As the team looks to bounce back from their losing streak and push for improvement, the emergence of Matas Buzelis may change the trajectory of the Bulls’ roster decisions. How they balance his minutes with Patrick Williams’ return could go a long way in determining the future direction of the team.
