It would be much easier for Patrick Williams if the adrenaline of the game would ease the pain in the right ankle.
That’s just not the case for the Bulls forward.
And it doesn’t sound like it will be the case anytime soon this season.
Williams was discussing the ankle issue on Saturday, and was asked if he’s at least able to gauge when he’s having a good day with it or a bad day with it. His reply was a revealing one.
“To be honest I haven’t had many good days,” Williams said. “It’s just more of, ‘Can I play through it? Is this a feeling that I can play through or not?’
“Can I cut? Can I jump? That’s pretty much the feel I’m trying to get whether it’s pregame, practice or whatever the case may be. Can I cut? Can I move? Hopefully the answer is always yes, but there’s times where, ‘Ah, I can’t really move and cut, jump the way I’m used to.’ “
Those are the days he’s sat out of games. Three to be exact so far this season.
While that might not seem like a lot, Williams played in all 82 last year, so there’s a badge of courage that is attached to that.
Forget perfect attendance this season. Williams is just trying to make the next game with the ankle. And when he does play, it’s managing the pain to still be effective. Another issue for Williams.
Even against the Grizzlies, there were some good moments like the three-pointer he stepped into in the first quarter. But there were also some moments where the explosion just wasn’t there, like a second quarter drive to the hoop that he left short on the side of the rim.
From the way Williams made it sound, the expectation is this will be a season-long issue, but February could offer some relief when the Bulls have some days off for the All-Star Break.
Minute men
With Zach LaVine sidelined with a sprained right ankle, that meant more minutes for Dalen Terry and also veteran Jevon Carter.
Terry had jumped Carter in the rotation when LaVine was healthy, but now coach Billy Donovan will be leaning on both, getting back to a true nine-man rotation.
“During the course of an NBA season you’re going to have guys out,” Donovan said. “It gives an opportunity for someone minute-wise that hadn’t had those number of minutes. The injuries are just a part of it. I think our guys should have confidence. Not every guy is going to be in the rotation when we’re whole.
“I’m pleased with the way the group has responded with injuries. I think we’ve responded well. It’s not to say we’ve always won, but I think the guys that have gotten the opportunity have kept themselves ready when it was time to play.”
If Donovan does want to use a 10th player in the rotation, keep an eye on rookie Julian Phillips, who was recalled from the G-League Windy City Bulls Saturday afternoon.
Familiar faces
Not only was former league MVP Derrick Rose back at the United Center – now with Memphis but injured – but another key player from those Rose-led teams was also in attendance.
Joakim Noah not only stopped by the morning shootaround to visit with his close friend in Rose, but was introduced on the scoreboard during the game.