Chicago Bulls' Patrick Williams out at least four weeks with severe ankle sprain

Sept. 24 (UPI) -- Chicago Bulls forward Patrick Williams has suffered a severe left ankle sprain that could force him to miss the beginning of the 2021-22 season.

The Bulls said in a statement Friday that Williams sustained the ankle injury during an optional individual workout Sept. 15. He is undergoing daily treatment, according to the team, and is expected to miss four to six weeks.

The Bulls are set to open their season against the Detroit Pistons on Oct. 20.

Williams, who was the No. 4 overall pick in last year's NBA Draft, started 71 games and averaged 9.2 points and 4.6 rebounds last season.

Also Friday, the Bulls said point guard Coby White "has made steady progress over the past four months" and is expected to make a full return in November. He underwent surgery on his left shoulder in June.

White will participate in non-contact activities in training camp, which begins Tuesday.

The Bulls selected White with the No. 7 overall pick in the 2019 draft out of North Carolina. He averaged 15.1 points and 4.8 assists in his second NBA season.

Chicago finished 11th in the Eastern Conference standings last season with a 31-41 record. The Bulls ended the year two games behind the Charlotte Hornets for the final NBA Play-In Tournament spot, missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year.