Bulls Urged to Elevate Matas Buzelis as Star Player

The Chicago Bulls face critical decisions as they look to elevate forward Matas Buzelis into a star player. With 26 games into his sophomore NBA season, there have been glimpses of potential, but overall performance has not met expectations. As the Bulls aim for consistency, the focus should shift to maximizing Buzelis’ talent before the February trade deadline.

Selected as the 11th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Buzelis is currently ranked seventh among his draft class with an average of 13.4 points per game. He also records 1.3 blocks per game, placing him fifth, and averages 5.3 rebounds, putting him tenth. While these statistics are respectable, they do not reflect the explosive capability expected from a player of his size and skill set, standing at 6 feet 8 inches.

The Bulls find themselves in a precarious situation as they navigate the competitive landscape of the NBA. With top draft picks like Alex Sarr making strides for Washington and Stephon Castle claiming Rookie of the Year honors, the pressure is on for the Bulls to develop their own talent. Buzelis’ improved performance could be pivotal in transforming the current roster dynamics and rekindling fan excitement.

Coach Billy Donovan has set clear expectations for Buzelis, focusing on key areas for improvement. These include avoiding foul trouble, enhancing rebounding efforts, and solidifying his defensive responsibilities. Donovan emphasized the importance of Buzelis’ growth, stating, “We’ve put a huge emphasis for him to get to the boards on both ends, defensively and offensively. I never try to evaluate his games on making shots and missing shots… these are all the growth things he’s got to go through.”

Buzelis’ performance has shown variability, particularly in games that feature teammate Coby White. In the 16 games without White, Buzelis has averaged 14.1 points, surpassing the 12.3 points he averages in the ten games with White. This disparity raises concerns about how White’s presence affects Buzelis’ ability to assert himself offensively.

To avoid a situation reminiscent of the past with players like Lauri Markkanen and Zach LaVine, the Bulls must strategically integrate Buzelis into more offensive plays. Rather than merely reacting to game situations, the coaching staff should aim to create structured opportunities for Buzelis to thrive. Implementing targeted offensive sets could facilitate his growth and ensure he becomes a focal point in the team’s strategy.

The urgency for the Bulls is clear. A realistic scenario suggests that only two starters, Josh Giddey and Buzelis, may remain with the team next season. This potential shift should serve as a wake-up call to the organization. As fans grapple with the current underwhelming product on the court, they can find hope in Buzelis’ development into a player who could inject new energy into the franchise.

In summary, the Bulls must prioritize Buzelis’ growth as a central strategy moving forward. By investing in his potential, the organization can secure a brighter future and possibly cultivate a star player who can lead them back into contention. The next few months will be crucial for determining how effectively Buzelis can rise to the occasion and how the Bulls can support him in that journey.