Matas Buzelis Inspires Bulls Fans with Bold Move

As the Chicago Bulls gear up for their regular-season opener, head coach Billy Donovan has shared insights about sophomore player Matas Buzelis. Donovan emphasizes the importance of keeping Buzelis grounded and focused amid growing expectations for his talent. At just 21 years old, Buzelis is seen as a future All-Star, and deft coaching is aimed at helping him realize this potential.

Matas Buzelis: Impactful Performance So Far

Through the first three games of the season, Buzelis has made significant strides in his performance. His current averages stand at 13.3 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.3 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game. His field-goal percentage is a noteworthy 45.2 percent, showcasing his improved shooting skills.

Increased Trust from the Coaching Staff

• Coach Donovan has shown confidence in Buzelis, allowing him to play during challenging moments, such as early foul trouble against the Orlando Magic.
• Buzelis was given more offensive responsibilities this season, leading to noticeable improvements in various aspects of his game.

Development of Offensive Skills

Buzelis has expanded his offensive game significantly. His ability to attack the rim and create shots has improved markedly compared to his rookie season. The following statistics highlight this evolution:

• Drives per game: Increased from 2.7 to 6.3.
• Points per game off drives: Jumped to 5.3, with a 60.0 percent conversion rate.
• Percentage of shots off the dribble: Now about 20% of his attempts, a significant addition to his game.

Last season, 93 percent of Buzelis’s shots came from either the rim or spot-up jumpers. This season, he has incorporated pull-up shots, successfully averaging one pull-up two and one pull-up three per game. Surprisingly, he is converting these off-the-dribble shots at a higher rate than his catch-and-shoot shots.

Increased Role and Responsibilities

Buzelis has become a central figure in the Bulls’ offense. His touches have nearly doubled, increasing from 25.2 as a rookie to 44.7 in his sophomore year. This growth reflects a higher level of trust from the coaching staff and an acknowledgment of his capabilities.

• Improved seconds per touch and dribbles per touch indicate that Buzelis is more involved in the game.
• He is transitioning into a creator role, moving beyond being just a spot-up shooter.

As Matas Buzelis continues to evolve into a dynamic player, Bulls fans are optimistic about his potential impact this season. The progression he has displayed early on suggests that he is poised to become a key asset for the Chicago Bulls going forward.