This past week, the Chicago Bulls faced the Denver Nuggets in their fourth preseason matchup of the year, falling 121-117 in the Mile High City. The game featured a clear difference in dynamic between Denver’s older and more experienced roster against Chicago’s younger and more energetic lineup. While the Bulls came up short, one player stole the spotlight: second-year forward Matas Buzelis.
Buzelis didn’t even just look improved heading into his sophomore campaign, he’s simply looked like an All-Star. In just 20 minutes of action, he put up 20 points and three rebounds, while also blocking five shots and shooting 7-of-12 from the field. He did a little bit of everything, showing sharper offensive decision-making and elite defensive instincts, even sending back a shot attempt from three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
It was exactly the kind of breakout performance that caused fellow Lithuanian big man Jonas Valanciunas to make a bold statement about Buzelis’ future.
High praise from the veteran
“If he’s going to keep working like this, he’s going to be one of the greats,” Valanciunas said.
When a 13-year NBA veteran makes that kind of statement, it is not something to be taken lightly. Valanciunas has built his career on toughness, consistency, and a fundamentally sound game in the paint, allowing him to become one of the league’s most respected international big men.
However, their relationship is more than just both being a few of the top basketball players from the same country. Jonas Valanciunas has known Buzelis since he was about seven or eight years old… about the time Valanciunas entered the league as a rookie. But their basketball realtionship has quickly turned into a full-blown mentorship.
“He’s been in our family for a while, he’s just been one of those people in my corner that I could talk to for whatever I need,” Buzelis said.
Exponential development
That mentorship has clearly paid off. Buzelis’ growth from his rookie season to now has been nothing short of incredible. Just a year ago, he was fighting for minutes off the bench and didn’t crack double-digit playing time until mid-November. Fast-forward to this preseason, and the 21-year-old is averaging 17.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks in only 23 minutes per game. The highlight plays that turned into highlight clips are now becoming a nightly occurrence.
For the Bulls and the city of Chicago, Buzelis’ development could mean much more than what we see in the box score. He has the potential to become the franchise’s next true homegrown star, and the most hyped Chicago born talent since Derrick Rose.
Valanciunas’ praise could be a glimpse into the future of both Matas Buzelis and the Chicago Bulls. As the 2024-25 season approaches, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: The Chicago Bulls may finally have their guy.
