Frequently Asked Questions
What nickname did Bulls staff give Patrick Williams after the 2020 NBA Draft?
Some within the Bulls organization nicknamed Patrick Williams 'The Paw,' a reference to Kawhi Leonard's nickname 'The Claw.' The late Bulls announcer Stacey King is credited with dubbing him that, and the comp stuck within the organization for years.
Why did Arturas Karnisovas pick Patrick Williams 4th overall in the 2020 NBA Draft?
Karnisovas reportedly saw visions of Kawhi Leonard when he evaluated Williams, believing the Florida State wing could develop into a similar player given enough time. Williams shared similar measurements and athleticism with Leonard, though critics felt the comparison never went much deeper than that.
Was Patrick Williams a starter at Florida State before the Bulls drafted him?
No, Patrick Williams was not even a starter at Florida State, which made the pick even more controversial among Bulls scouts and staffers. He was also the second-youngest player in the 2020 NBA Draft, adding to concerns about how unpolished he was.
How much longer does Patrick Williams have left on his contract with the Bulls?
Patrick Williams has three seasons remaining on his deal with the Bulls, with the last year being a player option. Unless the Bulls are content letting the contract play out, a trade is expected to happen at some point.
Who did the Bulls select with the 4th pick in the 2026 NBA Draft?
New Bulls VP Bryson Graham used the 4th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft to select Caleb Wilson. Unlike Williams, Wilson was described as a starter, an alpha, explosive, aggressive, and physical — traits the organization felt Williams always lacked.
Erik Lambert
I’m a football writer with more than 15 years covering the Chicago Bears. I hold a master’s degree in the Teaching of Writing from Columbia College Chicago, and my work on Sports Mockery has earned more than twenty million views. I focus on providing analysis, context, and reporting on Bears strategy, roster decisions, and team developments, and I’ve shared insight on 670 The Score, ESPN 1000, and football podcasts in the U.S. and Europe.
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