Key Highlights
- Bulls face decision between Patrick Williams and Leonard Miller for upcoming season.
- Milior’s recent performance impresses teammates and coaches despite limited minutes.
- Williams’ tenure with the team has been criticized, while Miller shows promising signs.
- Trade acquisition Miller posted a plus-7.5 per game in his first 10 games for the Bulls.
The Battle for Chicago: Williams or Miller?
You might think this is new, but…
With just 16 games remaining in the season, the Chicago Bulls find themselves at a crossroads. The debate over whether to keep Patrick Williams or give Leonard Miller more playing time has been brewing since their trade from Minnesota.
Milior’s Surge
A blind résumé comparison doesn’t do Patrick Williams any favors these days. But with just 16 games remaining, it’s worth asking: Has the newly acquired forward done enough to force Billy Donovan to sit Williams when he gets healthy?
Milior got a second consecutive start against the Lakers on Thursday and has had some impressive moments since joining the team. Six of his 11 rebounds were offensive, and he was a force in that game according to teammate Matas Buzelis.
Williams’ Struggles
Williams’ tenacity on the offensive glass is one of the ongoing criticisms of him in Year 6 since the Bulls drafted him fourth overall in 2020. Too many lethargic games, not enough urgency. Their recent loss to the Lakers at home only exacerbates the doubts.
Williams was out against the Lakers, but what will Donovan do when he has both forwards healthy again? That’s the question.
Williams tweaked his ankle and that’s why Miller got the start against the Warriors. And he made it count.
Data Doesn’t Lie
Milior has posted a team-high plus-7.5 per game in plus/minus in 10 games since joining the Bulls (along with Rob Dillingham and second-round picks). Meanwhile, Williams is near the bottom of the team with a minus-4.8 per game.
With Minnesota I wasn’t playing so I kind of got used to it,” Miller said after the Bulls’ overtime victory against the Warriors. “But with me being used to it I’m still ready, I’m still locked in.”
The Financial Factor
Milior has a $2.4 million team option for next season. Williams, on the other hand, is guaranteed $18 million a year through 2028-29. No one said comparisons were fair.
Will the Bulls agree?
After Miller played solid minutes against the Suns last Thursday, he only got a minute of mop-up time in the next game against the Kings. Williams returned from an injury and played 17 minutes in that loss. But Williams tweaked his ankle, and that’s why Miller got the start against the Warriors.
Stay ready, stay locked in,” Miller said. “I pay attention to the game plan.
My focus is coming in and making winning plays and that’s all I care about.”
The Bulls face an uphill battle deciding between their two forwards. But with just 16 games left, it’s not too late for either of them to change the narrative.
