Patrick Williams, the Chicago Bulls’ fourth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, arrived with high expectations. Hailed as a versatile two-way forward, Williams was supposed to provide a crucial piece to the Bulls’ rebuilding puzzle. However, three seasons in, the “Patrick Williams problem” remains unsolved, leaving fans and analysts questioning whether his career might already be on a perilous trajectory.

Williams, now in his fourth season, is still a player of untapped potential. At just 23 years old, he’s shown flashes of brilliance, particularly on the defensive end, where his length and footwork suggest All-Defensive Team potential. Offensively, his shooting mechanics are solid, evidenced by his 41.5% three-point shooting in the 2022-23 season. Despite these bright spots, his overall impact has been far from the transformative presence Chicago hoped for.

The biggest issue lies in his passivity. In games, Williams often disappears offensively, playing too passively to influence the outcome. With an average of just 9.7 points per game across his career, his scoring output doesn’t reflect his physical tools or draft pedigree. Critics argue that his hesitance to assert himself has relegated him to a secondary, or even tertiary, role in a team desperate for a consistent third star behind Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan.

Compounding matters is Williams’ inconsistency on the boards and as a playmaker. Despite being 6’7 with a sturdy frame, he averages just 4.3 rebounds per game, an underwhelming figure for a forward playing over 28 minutes per night. His assist numbers are similarly low, further reinforcing the perception that Williams has yet to fully embrace his potential as a modern, multifaceted forward.

Chicago’s front office faces a conundrum. The team’s struggles to contend have put pressure on their timeline, and waiting for Williams to develop might not align with their current goals. The Bulls exercised their team option for the 2023-24 season, but the clock is ticking on whether to commit to him long-term.

As for Williams, the stakes couldn’t be higher. If he doesn’t step up, he risks being labeled a bust, a harsh but real possibility for a top-five pick. To salvage his career, he must assert himself as more than a complementary piece and take on a more aggressive mindset.

For now, the “Patrick Williams problem” isn’t just a Chicago issue; it’s a reflection of the unforgiving nature of the NBA. A league of opportunity for some, it can just as quickly close the door on others. Williams must decide which side of that door he wants to be on.