The Chicago Bulls had a quiet 2024 NBA Draft, with only one pick. Matas Buzelis was selected 11th overall in the draft, and the Bulls signed him from G League Ignite. Buzelis was the Bulls’ top choice entering the draft, but it appeared like Chicago would have to make a deal to get him. Many many expected Buzelis to be picked earlier in the draft, but the Bulls selected him with the 11th choice without having to trade up. It worked out well, and Buzelis recently finished the NBA Summer League with the Bulls.
Matas Buzelis appeared to be a standout player in the NBA Summer League. He was confident, cunning, and had a high scoring rate. Overall, it appeared that the Bulls landed a nice one with the 11th overall pick in the draft. In fact, SB Nation ranked all rookies from the NBA Summer League, and Buzelis finished third.
“Buzelis was tabbed as a lottery pick for his potential to play on the perimeter offensively at 6’10, but he proved in summer league he can also make an impact with his energy and activity while his skill set develops,” according to SB Nation’s Ricky O’Donnell. “The 19-year-old will struggle with his scoring efficiency as a rookie, but his high motor will make him productive even as his body and shooting stroke develops.”
Buzelis looked decent, but as a rookie, he certainly has a lot of room for improvement. Here are a few things he should focus on as his debut NBA season approaches.
Matas Buzelis stands 6’10” tall, which is a tremendous size. Buzelis has excellent athleticism for a 6’10” man, but his weight is an area where he can improve. He is now classified at 210 pounds, so he has plenty of room to gain muscle. If he can achieve that and add some power to his body, it will significantly improve his game. He is already difficult to guard because to his height and quickness, but gaining weight will aid him near the rim. He didn’t have much issue scoring points in NBA Summer League, but things will be more difficult when the regular season begins.
Three point shooting
Matas Buzelis didn’t shoot the deep ball particularly well during NBA Summer League, averaging 1.2/5.6 from three per game, or 21%. The Bulls need more three-point shooting, and if Buzelis can develop, he will become an even more tough player to defend.
Buzelis is very close to become an all-around special player. If he can improve his long ball and gain some bulk, he will be extremely difficult to defend on any side of the court. The young star has a bright future ahead.
During NBA Summer League, Buzelis played slightly under 30 minutes per game and averaged 16.4 PPG. He fired 34% from the field, and 21% from deep. He also averaged 4.2 RPG and 0.8 APG. Buzelis was a great defensive player, averaging 2.0 steals and 2.0 blocks per game.
Buzelis had a successful Summer League, and the Bulls appear to have benefited from it.
