NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Bulls didn’t screw up!
As expected, an unpredictable 2024 NBA Draft led one player to shockingly stumble down the draft board. And the Chicago Bulls grabbed that player! Matas Buzelis – who was widely considered a top 6 draft pick throughout the pre-draft process – came off the board to the Chicago Bulls at No. 11 overall!
Buzelis averaged 14.6 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and 2.1 blocks per game during his one season with the G-League Ignite.
Buzelis joins the Bulls after a solid season with the G-League Ignite. He was seen as one of the top high school recruits in the country before signing on with the developmental team. Oh, and he happens to be from Chicago! While Buzelis ended up hopping around the country starting in high school, he first rose to fame at Hinsdale High School.
I have plenty more thoughts to share on the six-foot-nine forward, so I’ll update this post with those below.
In the meantime, I actually spoke with Buzelis about his hometown roots earlier this season! So you can learn more about the prospect here …
MATAS BUZELIS IS A BULL!
The Chicago Bulls didn’t get fancy, and they got rewarded.
Before signing with the G-League Ignite this season Matas Buzelis was viewed as a possible No. 1 pick in this year’s draft. Of course, the fact that he didn’t end up going that high tells us that his year in the NBA’s program didn’t go according to plan. But that also doesn’t mean it was all for nothing.
Buzelis still flashed some of the highly intriguing two-way potential that has captivated scouts. He is a six-foot-nine forward with impressive mobility and an aggressive mindset. Here’s a little bit more on what he brings to the table from my feature on him earlier this year:
Buzelis plays the kind of game that belongs in the modern NBA. Not only does he possess an elite six-foot-ten frame, but he has the ability to put the ball on the floor and attack. He has the size to finish over smaller wings and the athleticism to maneuver his way past more lumbering bigs.
Buzelis may not be the most coordinated ball-handler – he still comes off like a teenager growing into his body – but he’s remarkably light on his feet. He effortlessly moves like a guard at times, which is something he attributes to his early years picking up the sport.
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The potential of Buzelis’ shooting stroke might be the most tantalizing part of his game. While he shot only 27.3 percent from long range in his one year with G-League Ignite on 3.4 attempts per game, the shooting motion could’ve looked a lot worse. The foundation for efficiently expanding his range to the next level is there, and Buzelis knows it.
Indeed, the ceiling can rise exponentially if Buzelis can begin to show more efficiency from downtown and tighten up his handles. He’s really good in the open floor and is always looking for an opportunity to posterize someone. Honestly, the idea of Josh Giddey throwing this guy lobs is already making me smile. And when is the last time we can say the Bulls made us do that!?
Buzelis isn’t perfect. That’s obvious. But the Bulls bet on the upside here and landed one of the most versatile athletes in this draft class. This further suggests they are invested in player development and are prepared to start the youth movement. I like it.
