Matas Buzelis, the 11th-overall pick from last June’s draft, stunned everyone with a historic performance. Buzelis shot 10-of-10 from the field, including 4-of-4 from three-point range, finishing the game with 24 points. In a game without Zach LaVine—who’s no longer with the team—and with Nikola Vucevic struggling, Buzelis took center stage, delivering an almost perfect performance.
Buzelis’ accomplishment is remarkable. He’s the first rookie in Bulls’ history to make 100 percent of his field goal attempts with at least 10 attempts. He’s also just the sixth rookie in NBA history to achieve such a feat, and the only one to include a three-pointer in that perfect shooting display.
Despite being a rookie, Buzelis has proven he’s ready for more. His 24 points marked a career-high, and he’s also demonstrated impressive shooting consistency, knocking down more than three three-pointers for the first time in his career.
There’s No Reason Buzelis Shouldn’t Be Starting
After a dip in playing time at the start of January, Buzelis has now earned over 20 minutes of playing time in five consecutive games. During this stretch, he’s averaged 13.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 2.2 three-pointers per game.
Given his recent surge, it’s time for Head Coach Billy Donovan to reward Buzelis with a starting role. With LaVine now gone and the Bulls lacking a true alpha scorer, Buzelis’ addition to the starting lineup seems like the logical next step. While Vucevic and Coby White remain key contributors, neither can fill the void left by LaVine’s departure.
Buzelis, a versatile two-way forward, could thrive in the starting lineup, especially as the team seeks more wing depth. Although Patrick Williams has excelled off the bench, transitioning him back to a starting role could stunt his development.
Buzelis’ potential has already shone through, and his play is undeniable. While players like Lonzo Ball and Ayo Dosunmu may be ahead in terms of current performance, Buzelis’ ceiling is much higher. He’s shown flashes of brilliance in limited minutes, and now it’s time for him to take the next step by consistently logging over 30 minutes per game.
Against the Miami Heat, Buzelis played a career-high 31 minutes, and that should be the starting point moving forward. Placing him in the starting lineup alongside Chicago’s established passers would unlock even more potential. Instead of Ball or Dosunmu, Buzelis deserves the starting spot at power forward. His ability to catch and shoot makes him a seamless fit in the offense.
