The leap Matas Buzelis was expected to make from his rookie to sophomore year was one of the biggest keys to a successful Chicago Bulls season. He showed flashes in first year, but didn’t get a consistent starting role until the end of it.
Expectations were high heading into this October, as he dominated the summer league and preseason. He looked like someone who could fill the gap left by Coby White early on and settle in as the second option once White returned.
Even Buzelis said Most Improved Player was his personal goal for this season.
So far, he hasn’t met the expectations set by fans or by himself.
Buzelis’ Underwhelming Production
Buzelis averaged 17.6 points per game in the preseason as the top option without White, but he currently ranks fifth on the team in scoring at 13.2 points per game. He opened the season with 21 points against Detroit, then scored only three against Orlando, fouling out in 12 minutes.
Buzelis now has as many games under 10 points as games with 20 or more.
His shooting percentages are also down from his rookie year, never a great sign for growth. Over his last five games, he’s averaging 12 points in 30 minutes while shooting 40.4 percent from the field.
Foul trouble has been a constant issue. He has already fouled out twice in 20 games, and early fouls have limited his minutes in several others.
Is Billy Donovan to Blame?
Blaming the coach is usually the easiest scapegoat when a player struggles, but in this case, it may be part of the story. One major reason Buzelis hasn’t taken on a bigger offensive role is his lack of aggression.
He has shown flashes as a creator, but most of his points come on catch-and-shoot looks or cuts. Compare that to players like Ayo Dosunmu or Kevin Huerter, who are having stronger offensive seasons by consistently looking for their own shots.
That passivity may be linked to Donovan’s short leash with younger players. Buzelis often tries one or two dribble moves before abandoning the attempt and swinging the ball back to a guard. He looks as if he’s trying to avoid mistakes and fit in rather than taking chances.
Donovan and the Bulls still approach the season as if they’re a competitive team, choosing veterans off the bench over letting Buzelis play through mistakes or foul trouble. As a result, his style of play looks nothing like what he showed in the preseason.
The Bulls aren’t good enough to prioritize early-season wins over developing a potential 20-point-per-game second option. If Buzelis is never allowed to make mistakes, he’ll never grow.
His development should be the Bulls’ top priority, and the sooner they commit to it, the better their future will look.
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