The Chicago Bulls have not had much to be joyous about in recent seasons. They have missed the playoffs multiple seasons in a row, and they have had to tear down a team they once thought could compete at the top of the NBA. But through this turmoil there has been a bright spot in the windy city. Matas Buzelis, the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft, has provided Bulls fans with a glimmer of hope for the future of the team. The G-League Ignite product has shown tremendous potential this season, notably as an on ball creator. Buzelis falling to 11 in the draft is looking like a blessing in disguise for Chicago, as he has been very impressive thus far in his NBA career.
Earlier in the season, Buzelis was not getting anywhere near the amount of opportunity or playing time that he gets currently, which in retrospect looks like a mistake. Chicago was still trying to compete with Zach LaVine at the helm earlier this season, which meant that they were not exactly jumping at the chance to have a rookie on the floor for extended periods. Pre All-Star break, Buzelis only started in 4 games and came off the bench in the other 49 games. He also only averaged 14.8 minutes per game pre All-Star break, which really limited his chances to prove himself. Although his minutes were limited in this segment, there were small signs that he could do more if given the chance to. In his 4 starts pre All-Star break Buzelis averaged 25.9 minutes per game, and 13 .3 points per game on 51 percent shooting in those starts as well.
Post All-Star break is where Buzelis has begun to truly showcase his talents. Post All-Star break Buzelis was inserted into the starting lineup full time, and in these 22 games he has posted averages of 12.6 points per game, and 4.9 rebounds per game while shooting 45 percent from the field. What pops out the most about Buzelis’ game is how comfortable he looks as an on-ball driver. The 6’10 209 lb forward has very tight ball handling for a player of his size. Numerous times this season Buzelis has pulled out a sequence of moves en route to the rim that make you sit back in awe. His finishing skills are also quite strong for a rookie, he has many different gather moves in his arsenal, his pace control on drives are strong, and his leaping ability can not be questioned as well. Buzelis’ athleticism is also one of the first things that stand out when you watch him play.
The Chicago Bulls’ scheme of playing with a high pace and getting in transition as much as possible directly compliment Buzelis’s skills, as he is a more than willing lane filler in transition, and more often than not he finishes at the cup with authority. Buzelis’ athleticism allows him to be a strong cutter as well, often slipping backdoor to be found on alley oop attempts or regular finishes as well. Post All-Star break, Buzelis is averaging 4.6 drives per game, which was nearly double his drives per game pre All-Star break. On these drives he is shooting 46.7 percent from the field as well.
Here, Buzelis catches the ball and attacks Cade Cunningham on a closeout and when he draws nail help on his drive what he does next is great. With Jalen Duren helping at the nail, Buzelis does a decel euro step away from Duren and then gets the layup to go off the glass. Movement skills like these make watching Buzelis a treat, night in and night out.
Buzelis shows off guard-like handles here with a sudden hesitation move that flowed seamlessly into a crossover. Then once again he showed a strong finishing move, and used his inside hand to get the layup on the glass before Precious Achiuwa could get to his shot. Plays like these, where Buzelis looks so comfortable as a ball handler, are very encouraging.
Here, in semi-transition, Buzelis is bringing the ball up the floor, and with nobody in the paint for the Phoenix Suns he decides to attack the rim. With a beautiful sweeping high pickup, he beats his primary defender and frees himself up for a wide open rim attempt.
Buzelis has put together a nice sample size of good games, where his on ball creativity, driving, and effectiveness leave NBA fans with the impression that he will only get better from here. With more opportunity in his future he should be able to grow into an outstanding player in this league.
