The 2020 NBA draft was unique. The Chicago Bulls made it even more unique.
Given the pandemic, this draft was held virtually, with athletes receiving life-changing news from the comfort of their own homes surrounded by family and friends – or celebs (shout out Spike Lee). There wasn’t an athlete who headlined this class, and the top three picks was a crapshoot. However, records would be broken and history books would be re-written.
The most notable record of the night – more tears dropped in this draft class than all other drafts combined. Obi Toppin opened the floodgates (lol) when his hometown Knicks took him with their No. 8 pick.
Can’t fault a man who displays this level of emotion when the Knicks take you. But the other players need to keep their composure in check if they ever want that last shot of a game.
In a traditional draft, you’d almost expect the top five picks to be bonafide superstars from their colleges or clubs. But that’s when Chicago decided to go off the (draft) board with their No. 4 overall pick by selecting Patrick Williams, making draft history – for all the wrong reasons. Taking a reserve player in the top five seems like a fireable offense, but here’s what you may not know about Patty:
- Almost averaged a double-double as a senior in high school with 22.1 ppg and 9 rpg.
- Almost averaged 10 ppg in college (9.2).
Still seeing red, Chicago? Here’s another one.
- 2020 ACC Sixth Man of the Year award recipient.
Now, I know what you may be thinking.: why wouldn’t the Bulls just take the guy who starts in front of him?
Because Patrick Williams doesn’t start games – he finishes them.
Chicago Bulls Select Patrick Williams No. 4 Overall
Patrick Williams grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, and attended West Charlotte High School. He was highly touted as a recruit, with 247Sports Composite ranking him No. 26 nationally in the Class of 2019 and a five-star prospect overall. Among a large array of major offers, Williams chose Florida State, committing to the Seminoles on Oct. 6, 2018.
As a freshman, Williams made 29 appearance with no starts, averaging 9.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per contest. He shot 45.9 percent from the field and 32 percent from beyond the arc, plus 83.8 percent from the free-throw line. He concluded the campaign with a 22.2 usage percentage, 2.5 winshares, and a true shooting percentage of 55.3.
On March 26, Williams declared for the 2020 NBA Draft, leaving college after one year.
