On most nights, 22 points and 17 shots would earn Bulls third-year forward Patrick Williams a solid A-minus.
But when it comes against a guy named Sandro Mamukelashvili while the first-line Bucks are on the bench in street clothes, the grading scale changes.
Then if you consider that Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan didn’t play in the preseason finale Tuesday, his line in the game summary becomes even less impressive.
It kind of mirrors Williams’ preseason: too many passive moments, not enough fourth-overall-draft-pick highlights.
The concern for Williams remains his reluctance to exhibit his skills when surrounded by talent.
If you rewind to last season, you’ll notice his career-high 35-point performance in the regular-season finale against the Timberwolves came without LaVine, DeRozan and Nikola Vucevic in the lineup.
When Williams had 23 points in the season-ending Game 5 loss to the Bucks, LaVine and Alex Caruso were out.
Williams’ effort Tuesday, however, was at least a step forward and demonstrated that he does have an offensive pulse, but it comes after likely losing his starting job to Javonte Green.
So in a season that is massive for his growth and development, Williams’ preseason grade is an underwhelming D.
What did it take to earn an A? Ask Green, DeRozan and Andre Drummond.
Preseason report cards
Javonte Green
Coach Billy Donovan was searching for groups that flashed on the court together, and few made the rest of the starters flash more than Green. While Donovan hasn’t officially named him a starting forward for the opener in Miami, it would be a bit of a shock if he wasn’t. Grade: A+
DeMar DeRozan
Played in three of the four games and attacked each one like a professional who was getting ready to try to duplicate his 2021-22 All-Star season. Grade: A
Andre Drummond
The big man not only came as advertised in the rebounding department, but he showed off an improved three-pointer to keep defenses honest. Grade: A-
Dalen Terry
The rookie came into the preseason uncertain about how he would be used and proved that he needed to be in the rotation somehow, someway. Grade: B+
Ayo Dosunmu
With Lonzo Ball sidelined indefinitely, Donovan was looking for a starting point guard. Dosunmu earned the gig and looked a lot more confident shooting the three-pointer. Grade: B+
Nikola Vucevic
His three-point shot looked much better than it did last season, and the veteran seemed more comfortable playing the third wheel to Zach LaVine and DeRozan. Grade: B
Alex Caruso
“Crash’’ didn’t get hurt. That in itself was a win. Grade: B
Zach LaVine
Seemingly went through the motions of getting through the three games he played in, almost bored with the process. LaVine was waiting for the lights to start shining. Grade: B-
Goran Dragic
This is the 15th preseason for the 36-year-old, and he approached it that way, just looking to get his work in and stay healthy. Both boxes were checked. Grade: C+
Coby White
It was good for White to end the preseason with a 4-for-8 shooting night from three-point range, but he continued to play streaky basketball on both ends of the floor. Grade: C-
Derrick Jones Jr.
Donovan has raved about his play in practices, but it just didn’t translate in these preseason games. Grade: C-
Tony Bradley
Yes, he’s still on the roster. Grade: D
Marko Simonovic
The King of the Windy City Bulls will take his rightful place on the iron throne in Hoffman Estates once the G League begins. Grade: D-
