Matas Buzelis: Aspiring to Greatness

Matas Buzelis envisions himself not just as a good player but as potentially the greatest. Despite being a second-year forward drafted at No. 11 and spending much of his rookie season on the bench, he remains focused on his ambitions. His affirmations consistently reflect his belief: “I believe you can be the best basketball player in the world!” His journey towards that ambition begins with his development on the court.

A Key Season for the Bulls

This season is crucial for Buzelis as he is no longer a rookie. The Chicago Bulls are looking for him to evolve into a central playmaker for their offense. Following a solid performance in the NBA Summer League, Buzelis feels ready for this new role.

Growing Responsibilities

“Acting as a primary or secondary ball handler feels natural to me,” Buzelis expressed, recalling his days as a point guard in his youth. Last season, he mostly reacted on offense, with less than 10% of his plays involving ballhandling through the pick-and-roll, as other guards led the charge.

Development During the Summer League

As a starter during the latter part of the season, Buzelis had increased on-ball responsibilities, though he still averaged only 4.6 drives per game. His usage will significantly change this season, with Bulls coach Billy Donovan keen on utilizing him as a secondary ball handler. In summer league play, Buzelis was tasked with initiating offense, even when playing alongside established point guards.

Tackling Challenges

Throughout the summer league, Buzelis faced challenges from defensive double teams and blitzes, as opponents aimed to thwart his progress. Although he experienced difficulties, including four turnovers compared to one assist in his two appearances, he recognized areas for improvement, such as reducing overdribbling and adapting quickly on offense.

Focusing on Skills

During the offseason, Buzelis plans to concentrate on enhancing his ballhandling, shooting off the dribble, and increasing core strength. Additionally, he aims to step into a leadership role within the Bulls, a crucial goal as he becomes one of the pillars of the team’s young core.

Emerging as a Leader

Although he wasn’t expected to be a leader as a rookie, Buzelis is now urged to find his voice. In Las Vegas, he actively engaged with teammates during games, providing encouragement and guidance from the sidelines. At just 20, he still has time to grow into a more prominent leadership position, but the recent experiences have set a solid foundation for his aspirations of becoming a star.