Chicago Bulls pick starting forward for season opener

The Chicago Bulls open their regular season play tonight against the Miami Heat at 7:30 p.m. The Bulls overall record last season was 46-36.

Billy Donovan picks starting power forward

The Bulls head coach since 2020, Billy Donovan, has named Patrick Williams as the team’s starting power forward for the season opener. The decision was a surprise as many thought Javonte Green would be chosen.

Patrick Williams will be our starting Power Forward in our Season-Opener vs. Miami, per Billy Donovan. pic.twitter.com/6EGHQBUy1T

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 18, 2022

Throughout the preseason, Donovan rotated his starters: Patrick Williams, Javonte Green and Derrick Jones Jr. Williams and Green were the standout forwards, both playing well in the preseason.

In the preseason, Williams averaged 11 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Williams was a 2020 round 1 draft pick and played at Florida State. Comparatively, Javonte Green averaged 15 points and 5 rebounds per game. Green was traded to the Bulls by the Celtics in 2021.

Williams is a fresh player for the NBA,  only 21 years old and drafted in 2020. Chicago is his first professional team, and he will be playing on a starting lineup with All-Star players.

New Faces

The team’s All-Stars DeMar DeRozan, Nikola Vucevic and Zach LaVine will be joined by new players this season.

Ayo Dosunmu is the newest addition to the starting five. Dosunmu is a 22-year-old guard that’s replacing Lonzo Ball,  who is still recovering from knee surgery. As a young starter with a lot of energy, Dosunmu is a player to keep an eye on this season.

Although he’s not a young player straight out of the draft, Andre Drummond will be a defensive asset and help with inside scoring this season. Drummond signed his contract early July after previously being with the Brooklyn Nets.

Fresh Start for Bulls

The 2021-2022 Bulls team made the playoffs after missing it for almost five years. Chicago played a lot of top teams last season, and they start this season with tough matchups as well. After the Heat, the Bulls will play the Wizards, the Cavaliers and then the Celtics.

The challenging schedule will reveal the grit and drive of this year’s team. This new mix of veterans and fresh players will provide an entertaining season. The Bulls hope to keep building their momentum and improve from last season.

Our season is HERE. Let the games begin! pic.twitter.com/04ErgZLtfy

— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 19, 2022