NBA: Predicting the most likely breakout candidate for all 30 teams
Chicago Bulls
Breakout candidate: Patrick Williams
It’s hard to feel especially strong about the Chicago Bulls’ chances this season but if they’re going to factor in any way in the Eastern Conference, they’re going to need a breakout player to emerge. One strong candidate is Patrick Williams, who is entering his fourth year with the team. Even though he’s entering his fourth season, it’s more like his third considering he only played in 17 games during his sophomore year in the league.
If Williams is going to make the leap that many believe he can make, this will be the year where it will happen. And we did see flashes of it last season. He averaged 10 points on an efficient 46 percent shooting from the field and 41 percent shooting from 3-point range. The big question for Williams is whether he can extrapolate those numbers into a bigger role this season.
The Bulls need it with Lonzo Ball expected to miss another season due to a lingering knee issue. As a former top 5 pick, the talent is there for Williams. This could finally be the season where it all comes together for the young versatile wing.