Q&A: Patrick Williams addresses new contract, injury rehab and the new-look Chicago Bulls

LAS VEGAS — Here at NBA Summer League, a small group of traveling reporters got a chance to catch up with Patrick Williams for the first time since signing his new, five-year, $90 million contracts.

He opened up about his new deal, his recovery from a late-season foot surgery, and the new-look Chicago Bulls with DeMar DeRozan departing for the Sacramento Kings in Free Agency.

What have you been up to this summer?

“Rehab. That’s pretty much been about it. Trying to get back to 100%. Making sure that the foot’s not anything to worry about during the season.”

Where are you physically?

“I’m pretty good. I’m running and jumping now. No pain. No swelling. So it’s just a matter of getting my legs back under me.”

What was the rehab timeline now compared to what it was supposed to be?

“In the beginning, they told me four to six (months). I believe we’re at 4 1/2 going on five now. The bone’s fully healed. But that rehab process is pretty much resting. Making sure that I’m getting enough rest on that foot. Going over some pattern things. How you run, how you walk. Some preventative things. But for the most part it’s just been letting the bone rest. Let the body do what it does.”

Do you expect to be ready for training camp?

“For sure, yeah.”

Clarify what is still recovering?

“After not being able to jump around for four months, the muscles in the league — obviously just the Achilles’ strength; obviously just the pop that comes with playing a lot. You have to gain that back. I think that’s the same for an ankle injury. If I was to sprain my ankle and I was out two weeks, it’s going to take a little time just to get that pop back in your ankle. That’s kind of what I’m dealing with now. But it couldn’t happen at a better time.”

How much does the contract provide security and clarity for you going into next season?

“For sure, it’s obviously big for my family. For me, the work doesn’t stop. For me, the way I think about it, it’s more work. More things on my shoulders. Obviously being a leader to this team now and using some of my experience. But also still growing. So it’s a lot more that I have to do.”

How do you view the new-look Bulls?

“Ready. Ready. Know what I mean. Can’t say anything now that’s going to stop us from the work we have to put in. We have the pieces that we need. Still, the roster’s not solidified, but I’m happy with where we are now. It’s all about the work. We’ve got a good group of guys that will do that.”

What’s changed in your life since signing your new deal?

“My day-to-day life hasn’t changed. Living at home in Chicago, that’s pretty much the only difference. But everything else in my day-to-day is the same.”

What does the contract say about how the Bulls view you as a core piece?

“They believe in me, I believe in them. Ready to get to work.”

Have you talked to DeRozan since he joined the Kings?

“All the time. That’s a relationship that goes beyond basketball. Blessed to be able to play with him for the time that I did. The things I learned from him, the things I took from him, he knows I’m gonna use it this upcoming year and the rest of my career, and rest of my life. That’s a brother for life.”

Are you going to give him problems when he comes back to Chicago?

“He knows it.”

What’s your early scouting report on Matas Buzelis?

“What can’t he do? What can’t he do? He’s young, but I see he can do everything. Shoot the ball. Shot a middy. Changed directions. Guards 1-through-5. He’s a dog. Talking trash already. Love what I’m seeing.”

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