I still remember the first time I saw Willians step onto the court during his rookie season. Honestly, I wasn't particularly impressed - he seemed like just another promising draft pick who might fade into obscurity. But once upon a time, they were nowhere near their formidable statures, and Willians perfectly embodies this transformation narrative that makes basketball so compelling. What fascinates me most about his journey isn't just the statistical improvement, but the complete metamorphosis of his game mentality and physical presence.
During his first season with the Chicago Bulls, Willians averaged merely 7.3 points and 3.1 rebounds per game - numbers that hardly screamed "future star." I recall watching him struggle through those early games, often looking lost on defense and hesitant on offense. His shooting percentage hovered around 41%, and he averaged nearly 2.5 turnovers per game despite limited minutes. Many analysts, myself included, wondered if he'd become another "what could have been" story. The organization showed remarkable patience, something I've come to appreciate more in retrospect, as they continued to develop him through the G-League while giving him consistent NBA minutes.
What truly turned things around, in my observation, was his second season when something just clicked. I've spoken with his training staff, and they mentioned how Willians would stay after practice for hours, working on his three-point shot until he could consistently hit 85% of his attempts in practice scenarios. This dedication translated to real games where his three-point percentage jumped from 29% to 38% in just one offseason. His scoring average skyrocketed to 18.7 points per game, and he started showing flashes of the explosive athleticism that would become his trademark. I particularly remember that game against Milwaukee where he dropped 32 points - it felt like witnessing the birth of a completely different player.
The real breakthrough came in his third year when he embraced a more versatile role. Rather than just being a scoring threat, he developed into what I consider one of the most underrated two-way players in the Eastern Conference. His defensive rating improved from 115 to 104, and he started averaging 1.8 steals per game - numbers that genuinely surprised me given his earlier defensive struggles. What impresses me most is how he transformed his body, adding 15 pounds of muscle while maintaining his agility, which allowed him to guard multiple positions effectively. I've always believed that the true mark of a rising star isn't just offensive production but defensive commitment, and Willians has demonstrated both.
Now in his fourth season, he's putting up All-Star caliber numbers with 24.3 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. But beyond the statistics, what makes him special is his basketball IQ and leadership on the court - qualities you can't fully capture in box scores. I've noticed how his teammates look to him in crucial moments, and how he's developed that killer instinct that separates good players from great ones. His player efficiency rating of 22.7 places him among the top 25 players in the league, a remarkable achievement for someone who was barely rotation-quality just three seasons ago.
Looking at Willians' evolution reminds me why I love covering the NBA - witnessing these transformation stories never gets old. His journey from uncertain rookie to established star demonstrates what's possible with the right combination of talent, work ethic, and organizational support. While I can't predict exactly how high his ceiling might be, I'm confident we're watching someone who could very well become the face of the franchise in the coming years. His story serves as an important reminder that early struggles don't define a player's career - it's how they respond to those challenges that truly matters.