Chicago Bulls fans have no shortage of concerns. The Bulls have just one playoff win over the past eight years, haven’t topped 50 victories in more than a decade, and frustrating front office and ownership decisions have only deepened the discontent.

Yet, there’s some optimism to be had considering Chicago’s young roster. The Bulls are loaded with intriguing prospects. 25-year-old Coby White will enter his first season with the Bulls as the undisputed No.1 option. Coming off a strong finish to last season, 22-year-old Josh Giddey figures to approach this year either with a chip on his shoulder or a sense of relief, depending on how his contract situation plays out.

However, as good as White and Giddey are, there’s one player who offers more allure than both guards. That’s 20-year-old Matas Buzelis—Chicago’s 11th overall selection in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Matas Buzelis’ rookie development hints at a bright future

Bleacher Report recently highlighted Buzelis as the Bulls’ “biggest riser” ahead of next season. Grant Hughes of Bleacher Report wrote, “This isn’t just a blind-faith bet on an obviously talented forward getting better in his second season. It’s also an acknowledgement that Matas Buzelis improved significantly during his rookie year,” before rattling off several eye-opening statistical improvements pre- to post-All-Star break.

Hughes identified Buzelis’ spike in true shooting percentage, going from 55.7 to 58.5 percent after the midseason festivities. Moreover, Buzelis improved his efficiency, raising his field goal percentage from 44.1 to 46.7 and his free throw percentage from 79.6 to 83.3.

Although the 6-foot-10 forward’s three-point percentage remained the exact same pre- and post-All-Star break (36.1 percent), his volume increased tremendously. Prior to the All-Star weekend, Buzelis averaged 2.5 three-point attempts per game in a reserve role. Following a role change and the All-Star break, Buzelis totaled 4.9 attempts from deep per game.

Furthermore, with expanded playing time, Buzelis began to show signs of his once-praised potential as a point forward. Before the draft, the 20-year-old was hailed as a jumbo playmaker who was capable of initiating offense. Nonetheless, his playmaking didn’t pop over the first half of his rookie season. He averaged only 0.5 assists and 1.8 drives per game.

Following the All-Star break, Buzelis boosted his averages to 1.9 assists and 4.6 drives per game. Despite the uptick in volume, his turnover rate dropped while his efficiency on drives climbed from 42.9 to 46.6 percent.

A 6-foot-10 wing with playmaking ability, reliable three-point shotmaking, and shot-blocking instincts already carries immense promise—but Buzelis’ tangible improvements make his upside even more compelling.

Bulls fans haven’t had much to look forward to in recent seasons, especially after the Lonzo Ball injury completely derailed a once-promising team. Yet Buzelis appears poised to be the one to guide the Bulls into the future, giving fans something to look forward to.