Overview
- Coach Tiago Splitter said Friday he will not keep switching lineups and told Williams to 'stay ready,' making clear the forward will play only when the staff alters the established rotation.
- Williams has not played this fall and has been listed as a DNP for coach’s decision despite reports that a recent groin or quad issue is now behind him.
- Splitter is prioritizing rookies Caleb Wilson and Matas Buzelis as starters and using Isaac Okoro, Leonard Miller and Noa Essengue as primary backups, which currently puts Williams behind several frontcourt options.
- Williams is owed about $54 million over the next three seasons with an $18 million player option for 2028–29, but Splitter and the front office say salary is not driving playing-time decisions and Williams says he will stay professional and be ready.
- Nic Claxton’s expected return will deepen the frontcourt logjam and, with recent blowout losses raising questions about the roster, the Bulls may face pressure to change minutes or consider moves if the rotation does not produce wins.