Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams, 22, is set to have season-ending surgery on his left foot after being sidelined since Jan. 25 for what was initially diagnosed as acute bone edema. Subsequent imaging revealed that the injury had worsened to a stress reaction. Williams, the No. 4 pick in the 2020 NBA draft out of Florida State, played in 43 games (30 starts) this season, averaging 10.0 points and 3.9 rebounds on 44.3% shooting. This is the second injury-shortened season for Williams, who averaged 9.7 points and 4.2 rebounds in his four years in the league.

The Bulls, who are currently ninth in the Eastern Conference at 26-30, have been dealing with a series of injuries. Guard Zach LaVine underwent season-ending surgery on his right foot in February, while Torrey Craig is set to be re-evaluated in two to four weeks after spraining his right knee. Lonzo Ball remains sidelined with a knee injury. With the roster thinned by injuries, DeMar DeRozan and Coby White have been shouldering extra minutes, with both ranking as the Nos. 1 and 2 players in the NBA in total minutes played, respectively.

The loss of Patrick Williams adds to the injury challenges faced by the Bulls this season, as they strive to navigate the rest of the season without key players.