Bulls’ Forward Situation: Is Leonard Miller a Better Option Than Patrick Williams?

LOS ANGELES — With just 16 games remaining in the Chicago Bulls’ season after their 142-130 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday, a blind résumé comparison between Patrick Williams and newcomer Leonard Miller may not do Williams any favors. While Williams has been a key piece for the Bulls, his recent performance is under scrutiny as the team continues to struggle with injuries and inconsistency.

Recent Performances: Miller vs. Williams

Let’s break it down:

• Player A (Leonard Miller): In his last four games, Miller has averaged 12 points and 7 rebounds, including an impressive 17-point, 11-rebound performance against the Golden State Warriors.

• Player B (Patrick Williams): In his last four games, Williams has averaged only 8 points and 1.3 rebounds. His last notable performance was in Game 4 of the 2022 playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks, where he posted 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Given these numbers, it’s not unreasonable to wonder if Miller, the lesser-known forward, could be a better option for the Bulls going forward—not only for the remainder of this season but also beyond.

Miller’s Impact: A New Energy on the Court

“Lenny is a monster,” said teammate Matas Buzelis after the Bulls’ overtime victory over the Warriors, praising Miller’s play. The 6-10 forward has certainly impressed since joining the team in the trade with the Timberwolves for Ayo Dosunmu and Julian Phillips. In his 10 games with the Bulls, Miller has posted a team-high plus-7.5 per game in plus/minus. Meanwhile, Williams is near the bottom of the team, with a minus-4.8 per game.

While Miller has only been with the Bulls for a short time, the fact that he’s produced solid performances despite the team’s struggles says a lot about his impact on the floor. Even though the Bulls lost seven of the 10 games Miller played, his individual performances suggest he’s capable of contributing in a meaningful way.

“I’m always ready to go out there and compete at a high level,” Miller said. “I think I demonstrated that, and that’s what I’m going to continue to demonstrate.”

Williams’ Struggles: A Lack of Urgency

On the other hand, Williams has struggled to live up to expectations since being drafted fourth overall in 2020. Despite flashes of potential, his inconsistency has led to ongoing criticisms, particularly about his lack of aggression on the offensive glass. In a season where the Bulls have faced numerous injuries and roster changes, Williams has too often looked lethargic or lacked the necessary urgency to make an impact. His minus-4.8 per game plus/minus rating further highlights his struggles.

Miller’s Advantages: Active, Energetic, and Ready

Miller’s performance against the Warriors, in particular, showcased his potential. With Williams sidelined due to injury, Miller started and made the most of the opportunity. Coach Billy Donovan praised Miller’s activity on the court, particularly his ability to contribute in transition, crash the boards, and move without the ball. Donovan also acknowledged that while Miller has areas where he’s still learning, his high motor and energy on the court are undeniable.

“He’s very active on the glass, he’s a good runner in transition, he’s a very active body as far as cutting and moving,” Donovan said. “I just like his activity and his motor. There’s certain things he’s inexperienced at that will come in time, but overall, his activity, he can just get a lot of things into the game.”

With Williams’ injury and Miller’s recent success, the Bulls will need to make decisions on how to distribute minutes between these two forwards when both are healthy. It remains to be seen what Donovan will do once Williams returns to the lineup, but Miller’s play is certainly making a case for more time on the court.

Miller’s Mentality: Staying Ready for Anything

Despite the uncertainty surrounding his role on the team, Miller remains focused and prepared. “It’s all about staying ready, it’s all about staying locked in,” Miller said. “I pay attention to the game plan. My focus is coming in and making winning plays, and that’s all I care about.”

His approach reflects the growing confidence in his game, and it seems clear that the more opportunities he gets, the more he’ll continue to prove himself as a valuable asset to the team.

The Financial Factor: Will the Bulls Commit to Williams?

Here’s one more blind comparison:

• Player A (Leonard Miller): Has a team option for next season worth $2.4 million.

• Player B (Patrick Williams): Guaranteed $18 million a year through the 2028-29 season.

While the financials heavily favor Williams, given his significant contract, Miller’s low-cost option might make him an attractive piece for the Bulls if they are looking to improve their roster flexibility moving forward.

The Bottom Line: A Decision Looms for the Bulls

As the Bulls approach the final stretch of the regular season, the debate between Miller and Williams will only intensify. Williams’ larger contract may lock him into a more prominent role, but Miller’s recent performances are hard to ignore. Whether he continues to earn more minutes and potential starting time or not, his recent showings indicate that he’s someone to watch as the Bulls plan for the future.

It may not be fair to compare these two players directly, but as the season winds down, it’s clear that Miller has given the Bulls something to consider moving forward.