Bulls Still Await Patrick Williams’ Breakthrough; Perkins Sees Explosive Rockets Offense; Nets Confirm Full Rebuild
SLUG: bulls-patrick-williams-rockets-offense-nets-rebuild
CHICAGO — Patrick Williams is entering his sixth NBA season with a new five-year, $90 million contract, yet the Chicago Bulls remain in wait-and-see mode on his development. After posting eight points and three rebounds in Thursday’s 119-112 preseason win over the Cleveland Cavaliers, head coach Billy Donovan said the former No. 4 overall pick must show a “consistent motor” to secure a larger role. Williams reported to camp in improved condition, but he opened the preseason 11th in the rotation and moved up to seventh only because the Bulls were short-handed. Last season rookie Matas Buzelis took Williams’ starting spot, and offseason addition Isaac Okoro is expected to handle primary defensive assignments once earmarked for him.
Rockets
HOUSTON — ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins predicted on “NBA Today” that the Houston Rockets “are gonna be the best offensive team in the league” after watching their first exhibition with Kevin Durant in uniform. Houston scored 140 points, collected 32 assists, logged 68 points in the paint and finished with 13 dunks. Durant delivered 20 points on 70 percent shooting in 23 minutes, while youngsters Amen Thompson and Alperen Şengün impressed on both ends. Perkins went further, labeling Thompson a future challenger to Victor Wembanyama for the league’s top two-way player. Houston finished mid-pack offensively last season, but expectations rise if Durant remains healthy and the young core progresses.
Nets
BROOKLYN — Nets owner Joe Tsai publicly called the 2024-25 campaign “a rebuilding year,” noting the team spent all five of its 2025 first-round picks this past summer and owns one first-rounder in 2026. Brooklyn’s roster features three teenagers and 14 players under 25, including rookies Egor Demin, Nolan Traore, Drake Powell, Ben Saraf and 21-year-old Danny Wolf. “We’re the youngest team in the NBA, and we just want to keep learning and growing together,” Wolf said. The Nets continue their preseason against the Phoenix Suns in Macao as they begin a long-term climb back to contention.
Source: Hoops Wire
