Patrick Williams

Sam Smith

I like the pick. A weak draft you go for the home run. Seems like a good kid too.

I think that was something of the point beyond Karnisovas' comments regarding Williams' role with the team. I always said if I had No. 1 I'd take Wiseman. With LaVine and White, the Bulls didn't need a shooting guard. I had fears about LaMelo Ball with his awkward shooting and more awkward life and family. We'd been hearing the last few weeks of the Bulls possible interest in Williams. The new management never met with local media for a month before the draft; not that they would have said anything anyway. But they obviously kept quiet even to the rest of the NBA. I guessed they might try to fill a position, namely wing (I'm not sure Williams is that even as they say he is) or point guard. Toppin was a possibility, though a direct threat to Markkanen. I liked Okongwu a lot, but heard late about some health issues. The point was no one after Williams was becoming your best or second best player and making you an instant contender this season. So why not take a chance at big upside, if perhaps a few years down the road? The Bulls indicated Williams represents that. So we'll see.

Thanks for introducing me to Patrick Williams. He is a wonderful young player and dare I say has a lot of Michael Jordan in him, quick as a cat, super fast, quick jumper, excellent ball handler for his size and a great shooter.

Well, I'm not quite ready to go there. He's obviously got some favorable traits, improving dramatically even as an incoming freshman just barely 18, highly coachable in a demanding program, great size with the bone structure for growth scouts love. Not going for the great shooter or a lot of Jordan part quite yet. Hey, I made a comparison to helping hand Scottie Pippen, which also is a reach for now, and was told even that might be a bit too much hyperbole. Again, it's a lot of we'll see, but worth a look given this draft.

Williams' answers were cool but did not necessarily alleviate concerns. It's not as exciting to see someone who embraces playing a role picked at No. 4. With that high of pick, in theory we want "the guy". Not to say he won't grow into that, but he's not putting the team on his back anytime soon. Hopefully one day, but who knows? And there weren't any clear alternatives that could fill that anyway. What I think is exciting is that AK seemed so certain of this pick. So I am stoked to see this all play out soon! Gotta trust until proven otherwise.

Imagine if Paxson and Forman made that pick. I think I'd have had some interesting email observations for Ask Sam. But that's the point. For the last year or two the fan base has been demanding, begging, pleading for change. The Bulls changed more than any organization perhaps in sports. Entire four layer new management structure, entire new coaching staff, new trainer and new scouts. It's their first major personnel decision. Don't they at least deserve until the first practice? As for the starting thing, he obviously could have started in college. After all, he was drafted ahead of their leading scorer. And he was fourth on the team in minutes played. What do the coaches always say: It's not who starts but who finishes. Sixth man is a respected concept in the NBA, so why not in college with a good, balanced team in which no one even averaged double figure field goal attempts per game?

Do you believe the Bulls should pursue Bogdanovic or Hayward in free agency? Which one would be a better fit ? They can both create their own shot and can handle the ball, which is precious in today's NBA.

Both clearly are going to be out of the Bulls price range, as are just about every big name free agent starting Free Agent Friday. Karnisovas specified a need for shooting when talking about free agency. I suppose they're talking with teams about a sign and trade for a top guy, perhaps offering players like Thad Young and Tomas Satoransky, who have one year guaranteed left. Maybe throw in a draft pick. There are possibilities for higher level players out of their price range, like Bogdanovic, Haywood, Davis Bertans, Danilo Gallinari, Goran Dragic. Of course, that player would have to agree to join a team coming off about 20 games under .500 and his team would have to accept players from a team not only 20 under .500, but which the NBA didn't even invite to finish the season. I told you the league torched the Bulls with that decision. I suspect the Bulls end up using their mid level exception, which should attract a good player. Perhaps someone like these free agents: DJ Augustin, Rodney Hood, Justin Holiday, Austin Rivers, Wes Matthews, Kyle Korver, Marcus or Markieff Morris. Bobby Portis? I still, however, do believe the Bulls will be an East playoff contender this season thanks to the new structure and hopefully with improved health.

One thing I know from my twenty five years as a Bulls season ticket holder is that the passionate fan base is never satisfied. I am more than willing to give Team Karnisovas a couple years to right the ship. I think it's a promising pick and I encourage the base to give the young man a chance for a few years and I welcome him to the team and Chicago.

I'm very thankful for the passion because it makes for entertaining mail sessions. It's also important to allow everyone to have a voice. It's not personal, after all (I assume), because everyone seems to want the same thing. That's right, a We're No. 1 foam finger. Hey, do you hear those fan phone calls after the Bears games? Just urging a bit more urgency.

Looks like AK made his statement, huh? It might be revealing that a distributor wasn't taken. There's a lot to learning to be a distributor if you're playing pickup much less the NBA. The Bulls might have done better that way making the deal for Schroder that the Lakers did. Instead, it looks like AK wants to get offense from defense which isn't a bad idea. You get good pressure which leads to late in the clock bad shots which clank and turn into defensive rebounds and wing players cheating out to the running lanes. The key is committing to turning that defense into quick offense. If Donovan can get that working, you're looking at not just a statistical improvement but the team Chicago likes to watch. Predatory on defense, easy unlabored offense with a little bit of smash mouth. If I'm WCJ I can't wait.

Oh yeah, Wendell. He's one of the more curious figures in all this. The Bulls could have gone for powerful inside man Okongwu. And though Karnisovas suggested Williams could guard one through five, I sense he was counting too high. Donovan has a credible history with defense, and though Williams was advertised for his defense, Karnisovas did tell media early in his tenure with the Bulls he likes his former team's (Denver) style of open court play, a quicker pace, that it is more entertaining to watch. The truth often overlooked because of Jordan's brilliance as a scorer was that transition producing defense, especially in the first three years with Jordan, Pippen and Grant (at the time the most athletic defenders in the league at their positions at the same time, unprecedented in NBA history), was the foundation of the Bulls title success. What I got from Karniisovas' comments of Williams representing what the NBA is now (because it's also all about three-point shooting) is the first hints of a playing philosophy, aggressive, physical, switching defensive play with athletes and size, which also suggests some roster changes to come.

How do the Bulls plan to manage Porter, Williams, and Hutchison? We know that Porter it will be his last season with the Bulls. He may even be trade bait at the deadline. I think management has been disappointed with Hutchison and likely do not envision him as the starting small forward of the future given this pick, so he will become expandable.

Another player beginning a serious audition, especially since I moved the next Scottie Pippen title to Williams. Actually, I never saw that with Hutchison other than with the long striding similarity while on a transition fast break. Hutchison has to show first his body can physically withstand the NBA season and whether he's developed a shot. He'll be 25 in April, six years older than Williams. For now despite what's been said I see Williams more like an NBA stretch power forward, perhaps Shawn Marion-like in some respects. Karnsiovas said Williams was a high school point guard and they just didn't let him do that in college. So we'll see that, too. We hope.

I see some interesting names on the waiver wire. Elfrid Payton, Taj Gibson, Bobby Portis, Quinn Cook, Ersan Ilyasova, etc. and affordable mid level free agents like Jerami Grant, Morris, Austin Rivers, Jae Crowder, Jordan Clarkson, Rodney Hood, Kent Bazemore, etc. Who do you see that might fit the Bulls needs?

True, it hasn't worked out for Bobby, who some will recall turned down a lot of Bulls money. Sometimes you bet on yourself and it works and sometimes it doesn't. You take our chances. As for Taj, you know we all love Taj, who despite a lack of star effect, was perhaps missed more than almost any former Bull in the last decade. The personnel problem the Bulls have is with the addition of a first round pick (why the second rounder was left overseas) and the hope of returning restricted free agent Denzel Valentine, the Bulls have just one roster spot remaining, presumably for the free agent. They could release a player or two, but they still remain on the salary cap and still must be paid. It's one thing if you are playing for top four. If you are playing for seven/eight and/or the play-in tournament, there's perhaps not as much urgency.

This pick of Williams reminds me of the Bears picking Trubisky. You pick a guy who hasn't played much and was a backup in college to start their college career. I thought this was a bad pick. We will never know, but if you wanted Williams I am sure you could have traded down and got some assets and still would have been able to pick Williams. I thought there were several players who would have been a better pick than Williams. Remember that Williams was playing against the other teams backups. It's hard to evaluate his ability when he wasn't even playing against college starters. I know it doesn't mean he won't be good, but every publication I saw had winners and losers from the draft and all had the Bulls as losers. Not impressed with the draft!

But there was no Mahomes or Watson after Williams. Not that much of the rest of the NFL knew, either. C'mon, the Trubisky pick? You can't be that upset. While Karnisovas was firm about not having substantial talks about trading up, he did seem to indicate the possibility about trading down. But you saw basically no one in the top 10 was able to do that. I suspect there wasn't much being offered, and less certainty you'd then get the guy you wanted. I believe Karnsiovas saying that's who he wanted because the Bulls basically had the No. 1 pick after the presumably locked in top three. It's also best to evaluate a draft after a few years rather than a few hours. It wasn't many, but one scout told me he believes in five years Williams will be the best player from this draft. But we won't be saying that for two or three years. It's about patience for now. Get back to me in five years.

There was only one guy that the Bulls could have selected to just irritate the hell out of fans and they went and did it. We either all are about to learn how great AK is or we have just found another executive who had a little success, gets a bigger seat, and shows us all how easy it is to fall in love with getting too cute. I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt for about two months.

Well, two months is about 10 games into the season, which does make you somewhat more charitable. I guess the better question would have been who would have excited you at four? I guessed Avdija, but I did have some hesitation with athletic explosiveness. I didn't like Okoro for his lack of shooting, and he went five. I'd heard there were some physical issues with Okongwu. I liked Kira Lewis a lot, the speedy little point guard.

Count me in the "I don't get it" camp. This pick reminds me of Marvin Williams in ‘05. Not that their games are terribly similar, but it feels more like taking a look at the players measurables and athleticism and projecting on him what you want him to be, rather than what he is (which you so frequently caution against). Marvin Williams had a fine career, but for the number 2 pick? I'm not saying there was a Chris Paul or Deron Williams in this draft, but regardless I would say it's fair that Marvin Williams never reached that lofty potential. I keep seeing Kawhi or Giannis comparisons. Obviously everyone got them wrong on the pre-draft process but it seems kind of obvious to me that the reason those two were both mid first round picks was because their games had obvious limitations and it was difficult to project a lot of success given those limitations. Credit to them for having maniacal work ethic and drive to make themselves into what they are, but does Patrick Williams have that? How do you think the players feel about this pick? If you're Zach and it's clear the front office is taking a very long term view, are you trying to move yourself to a winner now?

Players really don't get very analytical with this stuff. They mostly are concerned with their games. Though I believe Williams as a wing player is a few years away at that position. With someone like James Wiseman, he can help immediately on defense. But Williams, too. Which I assume Zach would appreciate. Maybe cover for him on defense. Williams already shows good defensive help instincts, and I think the point Karnisovas was making about Williams being what the NBA is about today is that you have to have someone to defend these amazing, long, athletic players like LeBron, Giannis, Durant in his return. The Bulls brought in Thad Young with that idea as he'd done well before. Not so much anymore. Sure, a rookie is going to get fouls called on him because he's a rookie. But Williams sounds like someone who'll play through that. Marvin Williams, by the way, played 15 years in the NBA and in almost 60 playoff games. Patrick Williams should be so fortunate. Maybe the surnames confused you.

Several comments from the VP sounded familiar. Multiple ball handlers and players able to play multiple positions. Is Boylen really gone? Just asking.

I did smile when I heard the multi-ballhandler mention. They are doing some renovation at the Advocate Center lately. Maybe taking the time clock out. There are many changes coming, nevertheless.

I wonder if the Bulls have missed Rondo's playmaking and leadership. I don't think LaVine is the passer/ guard / floor general Rondo is. And I think the bulls may have missed that in recent years. Williams adds important size and defense. Maybe he can add shooting. Not sure if the Pippen comparison is is even close to true - I thought you might compare him to Horace Grant. Pippen had some elite lateral quickness. That was a concern for Williams. We ll see - the playmaking is why Avdija interesting to me - we ll see what he brings to the NBA. I suppose you can argue that if Markkanen and LaVine and Coby score up to their potential, then Williams brings the internal defense in the paint the bulls may need when Lauri and Zach and Coby are in the lineup.

Rondo also is a free agent, but we assume now that his reputation has been restored compared to when he came to the Bulls the last time that he'll go to a contender. Also, he doesn't shoot well enough, though he did make a lot of those clutch spot up threes in the Finals. The point I made about Pippen/Williams after Karnisovas' comments was because of the similarities of playing point guard before the growth spurt so he can handle the ball. Pippen was much better, but he did go to college for four years. Also coming from nowhere on the draft board late and without a great shot. Horace weighed 30 pounds fewer when he came to the Bulls and was three years older. To Horace's credit he worked and gained enough weight to play the power forwards in an era when they were physical post players. His twin, Harvey, could not and became lost as a wing player without enough ball handling skills. But unlike Luis Robert, Williams can't cover the entire field for everyone. Decisions are to be made. Call it The Process.

So they give Denzel 5M but won't give Dunn 7.

Alas, it apparently comes down to the shot. It's sounded like from the way Karnisovas was talking there wouldn't be qualifying offers for Dunn and Harrison. Dunn probably needs a chance at new scenery, anyway, after the injuries and being on the cusp of owning the starting job and then injured and demoted. You'd say it's counterintuitive to discuss being more defensively oriented by selecting Williams and then let go your best perimeter defenders and steal leaders. Which also suggests training wheels for now. The big bet for Karnisovas is that Williams with his versatility is a wing player who can defend and with size instead of another stretch four, of which the Bulls have several applicants.

Simonovic staying in Europe for a year or two reminds me of drafting Nikola Mirotic. He stayed in Europe too but in 2011 we had Rose and the team was a legit contender. Maybe they didn't need him right away and he was under contract. But why is Simonovic not playing for the Bulls now? Is it because he's under contract? If that's the case, why don't players just enter the draft after their contracts end? Why start the process so early? A lot can happen in 2 years.

I believe it's more the lack of a roster spot. Second round picks rarely crack the lineup, anyway, and for now the Bulls have too many players they need to evaluate during this season with the big summer of change coming in 2021. It's always good to have someone like that being developed (and paid) by someone else.

As you have mentioned the starting lineup is basically set. Based on the contracts currently in place, the second unit just misses a role player or two as said by Karnisovas therefore we have a clear view of the roster. What we don't have is an indication on the team's potential. What is your view on that? And also every team in competitive sports needs to have a target. What is this team's target?

I assume it's set with Coby as the point guard. Since he started just one game—and I know that was with a different management and staff—and not yet with LaVine, we all believe the Bulls will want to see if that can work in a Lillard/McCollum type of scorers backcourt. Otto figures to reclaim his spot now healthy, Lauri is on his shakedown cruise with his extension coming on the table and by passing on a center in the draft, it suggests the new staff has plans and hopes for Carter. Of course, we've heard nothing from Billy Donovan, and maybe he'll persuade the Thunder to take a few veterans and perhaps a pick since Oklahoma City collects them for his favorite Kiwi. Nothing actually is set. We're brainstorming.

I saw the media session with Karnisovas and he didn't go into many specifics. Let me help you out Karnisovas, he's a power forward. I have the perfect comparison as a matter in fact: Jerami Grant.

Well, Jerami was a good one, so good he opted out and looks like he'll get a big free agent contract. I think Arturas would tell you that Williams is about to be much bigger and stronger with Grant compared to Thad Young in Grant's draft. But you have a point in that Jerami was projected as a wing and never developed the ball handling and passing necessary. It's the challenge for Williams and perhaps what all those developmental guys are about. After all, look at what Miami did with undrafted guys. People can change.

Odds are Deni Avidja won't be as good as Luka Doncic or at least let's hope not!

I don't think he's going to be the Bulls Mahomes, but because there was so much league wide speculation the Bulls would select Avdija, he'll be the comparison even if he doesn't play much like Williams.

Whatever happens there, the Hornets finally will be on TNT and we'll be rubber necking toward their side of the road for the NBA's version of the gapers block.

I've read the following draft people: John Hollinger, Zach Lowe, the two from ESPN, Nate Duncan... and all of them say that they're really impressed by Lamelo's combination of height, handle, and incredible vision. They feel he could be a star. At the same time, all of them admit that he's not explosive, terrible at defense, and a bad shooter. When was the last time somebody became a star who wasn't good at one of those three traits (explosiveness, shooting, defense) when he came in?

Well, Magic wasn't considered a great athlete, shooter or defender. But he was a brilliant player and understood how to win. It's not something the developmental guys can bring to you. You either or or not. I also don't see stardom for LaMelo for some of those reasons, especially now in the high scoring NBA. Jason Kidd could get away with it without an offensive game, though he was a great defender. I think LaMelo will be a good player, and I think Lonzo is a good, if not great, player, a nice facilitator to have on your team. LaMelo seems to have more panache and the desire to put on a show. Look, the Hornets need that, and especially once fans can eventually start returning. It's been a bad decade in Charlotte. Consider since 2012 with top 10 picks, the Hornets have taken Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Cody Zeller and Frank Kaminsky, and Malik Monk at 11. Hey, Kaminsky is a free agent, by the way, and he can shoot. A return home?

Ok, hear me out. I'm not a massive Harden fan. I don't think his iso-style can win a championship, because the other team just puts LeBron, Kawhi, etc. on him when it counts. But with that said, I think it's better for the Bulls to make the playoffs, be a contender, maybe attract more free agents, and have something for the fans to cheer for, for the next two seasons, than gambling through the draft - which is exactly what rebuilding is these days, a complete gamble. Two years with a MVP candidate, and who knows what happens. I hear the Rockets want assets, otherwise they aren't in a rush. What about LaVine and Lauri (or WCJ), and a couple of picks? I think our new coach still has nightmares about losing Harden as well.

I'm pretty sure he has more nightmares about not losing Westbrook quickly enough, so thanks for not bringing him up. Harden comes with his own dirty laundry of difficulties to deal with given his stubborn, individual play. Focusing on defense in the draft certainly suggests even if the Bulls were interested in Harden's $44 million average contract for the next three years and could come up with enough salaries to match and not cost the new Houston GM his job for taking back those players, I doubt Karnisovas wants the league's most disinterested defender.

Rumor of Wall for Westbrook? Could Russ and Beal work together?

Do you think there is any chance we see Arturas pull off a trade for a proven superstar in the league like Ben Simmons? I hear they may wanna keep the Simmons-Embiid duo together but for the right price it may be a deal worth making

Everyone knows Daryl Morey, now busy blowing up all Elton Brand's moves, is always up to something. He says for now he wants to see Embiid and Simmons together. I'd say check back the second week of the season.

At least you had him going 7 in your final mock, so not too big of a reach. Let's hope the Kawhi comp you slipped in there comes to fruition. Even if it may be for naught, AK &amp; Co. should be making a full-court press effort to recruit Anthony Davis to come home. Obviously it would not only take getting AD's attention and affection, but also getting the Lakers to do a sign-and-trade. At the very least it could set up good vibes for AD maybe coming home later in his career. But definitely now is a good time to make him feel just how wanted and needed he is.

Well, at least I didn't get any Rose trade scenarios this week.

Spencer Dinwiddie laid out a 10-step plan on Twitter for how he could turn the Bulls franchise into a winner. Dinwiddie's plan includes a trade that would send him to the Bulls in exchange for Tomas Satoransky and future draft considerations. Having consummated the move which would also make him the new GM, Dinwiddie said he would then look to orchestrate a sign-and-trade to land Anthony Davis in free agency this summer. This would give the Windy City team a core of Dinwiddie, AD, Zach LaVine and Lauri Markkanen. Dinwiddie laid out a 10-step plan for how he could turn the franchise into a winner: Get traded to Bulls - Sign max w/ Rich Paul if he can get Anthony Davis to CHI - AD / SD / LaVine / Markkanen core - Keep all fan faves as the bench - Sign a tough vet like Robert Covington or Terrence Ross.

I really miss that guy. Obviously the Bulls made an error giving up on him as they did, but they did sign him when no one was giving him a chance after coming into the NBA injured. He lost out as the Bulls were experimenting with point guards post-Rose injury, and it still was a few months with Dinwiddie in the G-league before only the Nets desperate with injuries took a chance. He's remarkably turned himself into an All-Star. I received numerous proposed trade scenarios for Dinwiddie before the draft, and you know he's not lasting long there with Kyrie's return. I like the plan, but I doubt Karnisovas would give up his job so soon after being hired. Though if Dinwiddie could get AD.

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Ask Sam Mailbag: Questions about Patrick Williams' potential and the 2020 NBA Draft

childukich

Listening to Bulls basketball chief Arturas Karnisovas speak about No. 4 pick Patrick Williams reminded Sam Smith of another Bulls draft pick from 1987.

The Bulls Wednesday didn't say they drafted Scottie Pippen, though they were describing him.

"Athleticism, versatility, multiple positions," Bulls Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Arturas Karnisovas was rhapsodizing about Patrick Williams on a post draft Zoom media conference. "His ballhandling is something that's very underrated. People didn't see it in college, but for three years in high school he played point guard.

"He got to Florida State's campus when he was 17 years old. Watched his improvement through the year from game to game; he became more aggressive, took more charge, attacked the basket more, shot the ball better," said Karnisovas. "To get a player (who) just turned 19 in August to be that level of maturity at this point and a willingness to learn, it's hard to find. The more we studied Patrick, the more we liked him.

"I didn't agree with perception people have of him," Karnisovas continued. "They thought he is a raw athlete and he wasn't skilled. When I saw his skill level and ball handling and shooting and ability to pass, I would disagree he's that raw athlete. He knows how to play. He's a versatile defender who can guard one to five. I don't even know what position he is. If you watched Florida State games even after baskets he would be full court pressing on guards. That's a very unique skill for such an athletic and big player.

Arturas Karnisovas in the Bulls war room from the Advocate Center in Chicago.

"Scottie, he was a very good player in the NBA," Karnisovas said when asked about the comparison. "I just think that when (Williams) played point guard in high school he was very small. I think he grew, like eight inches in high school. But he kept his skill set and that is valuable. So when he got to Florida State, he was obviously ready."

It's too much to suggest a 19-year-old who didn't even start in college is the next Pippen, a Hall of Famer, six-time champion and NBA top 50 all time player.

But the way Karnisovas was describing Williams was not unlike what Jerry Krause was saying about Pippen in 1987, a late rising draft prospect who moved all the way up to No. 5 from barely being talked about his last year in college, a small kid who played point guard in high school and then had a growth spurt but retained his point guard abilities in a languid 6-7 frame.

Pippen, who went on to become one of the great defenders in NBA history, was like Williams who averaged just 9.2 points in college an offensively challenged player coming into the NBA, a player like Williams known for his octopus-like defense that enabled him to defend point guards and most everyone but the great low post centers of the era. And there basically aren't any more of them.

Karnisovas said Williams reflects the way the NBA game is being played now, "Long arms, big hands. Such an upside and potential. He can play from one through five. Played point guard in high school. Humble kid that is mature beyond his years. This is what the NBA is today."

College Highlights of Patrick Williams from Florida State University.

And remember Pippen was a reserve his rookie season with the Bulls.

Williams is coming to a Bulls team not exactly a contender, but with a reasonably set starting lineup of Coby White, a close friend of Williams from back in North Carolina, Zach LaVine, Otto Porter Jr., Lauri Markkanen and Wendell Carter Jr. Williams certainly will be a reserve player to start, and Karnisovas suggested the Bulls were likely to add at least one likely role player in free agency beginning later this week.

The Bulls also had a second round selection at No. 44 which they used for Marko Simonovic, a seven foot Serbian player whom Karnisovas said would remain playing overseas for at least another season. Karnsiovas said despite the rumors and speculation, the Bulls never entertained moving up in the draft and didn't seriously consider moving down. Karnisovas said the team had long targeted Williams and was confident and pleased to get him at No. 4 after the top tier players, Anthony Edwards, James Wiseman and LaMelo Ball.

Karnisovas called Draft Night their Super Bowl for the anticipation and months of work, though he said he plans and hopes for the Bulls not to be in that position to draft that high ever again, the highest pick he's ever been involved with in the draft.

"It was a great night," Karnisonas said about his first draft as lead executive and first for the Bulls. "The more we were digging in his background and we were able to see him, that's how we came to our decision that that's our guy. We need players in our league that can play multiple positions. He's an elite athlete. At four we were really happy in that position because we knew we had a chance to pick Patrick and we just stayed there and we got our player.

"I think it'll take him some time," Karnisovas acknowledged. "But he already knows a lot of players on the team. One of them is Coby. They're both from North Carolina. So I think the transition is going to be a little bit easier. But you had only one year of college basketball before coming into the NBA. So it's going to be an adjustment. But he's the type of kid who's ready to learn. He's very inquisitive. He asks questions about what he can do better. And I saw huge growth over a very short period of time. So I'm not worried about that.

"I think overall tonight we drafted players that we were targeting," said Karnisovas. "And it doesn't happen very often. I received a ton of texts from executives around the league and they were all telling me, ‘Enjoy your night.' And that's what I did. It's special to me. It's my first night as a lead exec of the Chicago Bulls. I thought it was a very successful night."

Like Jerry Krause was saying late that June night in 1987.

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Arturas Karnisovas details why Bulls drafted Patrick Williams, Marko Simonovic.

Bulls chief executive Arturas Karnisovas said his philosophy for the NBA draft is to select the best player available.

With the No. 4 pick in Wednesday's NBA Draft, the Bulls selected Florida State forward Patrick Williams.

Ahead of the likes of Deni Avdija, Obi Toppin, Tyrese Haliburton and Killian Hayes, variously viewed as top NBA prospects. Williams in his freshman season at Florida State in 2019-20 was a sixth man.

The Bulls are counting on him being a top man in their hearts and their lineup and to show he's at least the fourth best player in this draft, if not better.

And many are optimistic with some NBA scouts predicting the Bulls may have drafted the next coming of All-Star Kawhi Leonard.

Edwards, who doesn't turn 20 until next August as the second youngest player in this draft, is a physically imposing 6-8, 225 pound forward with a defensive mentality.

One of the concerns about the Bulls in recent seasons was the lack of physical, dominating play.

Williams would presumably address that with an aggressive game, a long seven-foot wing span and in perhaps a tribute to the late Jerry Krause a wide frame and broad shoulders that suggest ample room to grow. Krause, the longtime Bulls general manager, was known for spotting the extreme physical characteristics, which led the Bulls to Scottie Pippen.

Though Williams comes with warnings signs, in part, because of his youth and inexperience.

He's primarily, at least for now, a scorer with a spot up mid range game and cutting to the basket scoring. He didn't attempt many threes and shot just over 30 percent. But making more than 80 percent of his free throws suggests he will be a capable shooter.

He's regarded as a good athlete if not great and more of a power forward than small forward since he's not adept at running offense with a high turnover rate when handling the ball and limited assist numbers. Karnisovas said he never is concerned about duplicating positions, so it should be a competition—or perhaps motivation—for Lauri Markkanen, the presumed power forward who is coming off a poor season.

Williams is the rare player who his coach said came to college as a freshman asking to play defense and be put in defensive situations, reminiscent of the Bulls former guard Jimmy Butler when he attended Marquette.

Williams is quick and regarded as an excellent help defender and rim protector from the weak side in help defense situations. He was among his conference leaders in blocks and steals per minute played as he averaged about 22 minutes off the bench.

He's considered the sort of multi position defender who can guard pretty much every position on the floor and would match up against the top offensive players in the league.

Williams isn't as aggressive on offense with what some scouts say is a slow delivery with his emphasis more on the defensive end, at least for now. It's not unlike the profile of Leonard when he was in college as a defense first player with barely a mid range shooting game. Leonard did play two years in college and then was brought along slowly for two years by the Spurs until he emerged as a Finals MVP and league star who now is an excellent long range shooter and team leader and facilitator.

Williams was said to be a favorite of new coach Billy Donovan, who wants to revamp the Bulls defensive play with more aggression and perhaps physical intimidation like a favorite of his in Oklahoma City, Steven Adams. It's clearly a draft selection looking to the future as it also suggests the Bulls are wagering on a big upside.

Williams spoke with ESPN reporters after the selection.

He said he's confident and expects to succeed "at any position you put me at" and credited "the people around me to make sure I didn't get outside of myself.

"It's huge, for sure," Williams said about being drafted by the Bulls. First, I feel blessed to be in this position and…grateful for it, for sure. I'm excited to go to Chicago and to put in as much work as I can and learn as much as I can and be great."

Williams said he relies on "the work you put in. If you put in enough work day to day. I give credit to my college teammates and coaches who encouraged me all season and put me in position to succeed all season."

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The Bulls select Patrick Williams from Florida State at No. 4

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College Highlights: Chicago Bulls first round pick, Patrick Williams

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