Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan offered high praise for rookie forward Matas Buzelis, who is starting his NBA journey. The 19-year-old, selected 11th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, has already drawn attention with his potential and versatility.
Donovan shared his thoughts on Buzelis’ development. “He’s going to be a really good player. I’ve got all the confidence in the world, but I’m always a little bit guarded,” the coach said, via Darnell Mayberry of The Athletic. “Sometimes we end up labeling somebody for what they’re going to be. We don’t know what he’s going to be, but everybody feels like he’s got really good upside, and I love him.”
Buzelis, a 6-foot-10 forward, was initially projected to be a top-five pick in the draft but slipped to the Bulls. His combination of size, athleticism, and shooting ability made him one of the most intriguing prospects in his class. While Donovan is cautious not to place too much pressure on the young player too soon, his optimism reflects the Bulls’ belief in Buzelis’ potential to grow into a key contributor.
In his preseason debut, Buzelis showcased flashes of what he can offer. He posted 12 points, five rebounds, and three assists in just 21 minutes off the bench. His ability to contribute across multiple areas of the game is already a positive sign for the Bulls’ coaching staff, who are keen on developing him into a well-rounded player.
However, like many rookies, Buzelis will face challenges as he adapts to the speed and physicality of the NBA. In his second preseason game, he managed five points in 23 minutes off the bench, a quieter performance compared to his debut.
