Heading into the All-Star break, Bulls coach Billy Donovan was doing his best to remain positive about forward Patrick Williams’ injured left foot.
Asked several times whether he had heard from the medical staff about whether Williams would join guard Zach LaVine in having season-ending surgery, Donovan said, ‘‘No, I have not heard that.’’
The Bulls finally heard it loud and clear Friday.
The team announced that Williams, who hadn’t played since Jan. 25 because of ongoing concerns about the foot, had routine imaging recently that revealed season-ending surgery was the best option at this point.
That means the book is closed on Williams’ season. In 43 games, he averaged 10 points, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 assists and shot 39.9% from three-point range.
It will be the second shortened season for Williams since the Bulls drafted him fourth overall in 2020. A broken wrist limited him to 17 games in the 2021-22 season.
Williams bounced back and played in all 82 games last season, but the timing of this latest setback couldn’t have been worse. He is headed for restricted free agency this offseason and was hoping to attract a high bid to force the Bulls to decide whether to match it or let him go.
Now the Bulls might be the ones that set the market on Williams, with little to no competition.
