Chicago Bulls Confront Early Injury Setback as Patrick Williams Exits Training Camp Practice
The Chicago Bulls have barely begun their preseason preparations and already face a familiar concern: health. Head coach Billy Donovan confirmed on Wednesday that forward Patrick Williams was forced to leave practice early after tweaking his ankle during a 5-on-5 scrimmage. According to Donovan, Williams appeared to injure the ankle while planting his foot, before moving to the stationary bike to test his conditioning. The coach attempted to calm immediate worries, saying he does not believe the injury is “too serious,” per reporter Will Gottlieb.
For the Bulls, however, even minor health scares involving Williams carry weight. A former No. 4 overall pick, Williams has struggled to stay consistently available since entering the league. He has not logged more than 63 games in either of the past two seasons, and his foot has been a persistent issue. In fact, his 2023-24 season was cut short after ankle surgery, leaving Chicago without a player they once envisioned as a cornerstone. Wednesday’s scare, even if ultimately minor, rekindles memories of his frustrating battle with durability.
Chicago has at least taken steps to prepare itself for scenarios like this. Last year, rookie Matas Buzelis emerged as a reliable starter and eased the sting of Williams’ absence. This summer, the Bulls added six-foot-ten forward Noa Essengue, a promising rookie with defensive length, while also signing swingman Isaac Okoro, known for his perimeter defense and energy. These moves give Donovan and his staff greater lineup flexibility, especially if Williams faces time on the sidelines. “We feel better about our depth this year, but obviously you never want to lose guys early,” Donovan told reporters.
Still, the organization is walking a thin line. Chicago committed five years and $90 million to Williams last offseason, a move that raised eyebrows across the league given his injury history and uneven development. The front office hoped that deal would signal belief in Williams’ long-term potential, even if his immediate role had shifted to a bench position following a disappointing 2024-25 campaign. Now, every physical setback threatens to further complicate that investment.
Williams’ situation is also not occurring in isolation. Guard Coby White, projected to be Chicago’s leading scorer this year, entered camp already nursing a calf strain suffered in August. While White is expected back soon, the team is proceeding cautiously, unwilling to take risks with the regular season fast approaching. His absence, combined with Williams’ ankle issue, casts a shadow over what the Bulls had hoped would be a strong and healthy start to camp.
For a franchise seeking stability, the injuries underscore the precarious nature of their roster. Chicago’s veteran core, which includes Zach LaVine and Nikola Vučević, has faced its own share of health and consistency questions in recent years. Donovan and his staff must now balance optimism with pragmatism, ensuring players remain fresh without sacrificing much-needed preseason chemistry.
Ultimately, the Bulls’ season will depend heavily on their ability to keep key contributors on the court. Williams’ ankle tweak may prove minor, but history has shown that minor setbacks can become prolonged challenges for the young forward. With a significant financial commitment on the books and a fan base eager for progress, the Bulls enter the season already holding their breath.
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