Stop doubting the kid. Matas Buzelis is not just a project; he is a star waiting to explode, and the Bulls are sitting on a diamond in the rough. While the league expects Chicago to miss the playoffs again, the numbers tell a different story about the young forward.
The Numbers Do Not Lie
Most fans see the win-loss record and stop looking. They miss the individual growth that is happening right under their noses. Buzelis finished his second season with 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, according to Pippen Ain’t Easy. He also hit 2.2 three-pointers every night. These are not small steps; they are giant leaps for a 21-year-old.
StatMuse reports that he achieved the distinction of being the youngest NBA player ever to make at least 150 three-point field goals and record 100 blocks in one season. That is a rare feat. The data shows a player who is already elite on both ends of the floor.
Defense That Changes Games
Scoring gets the headlines, but defense wins championships. Buzelis is building a case for the best two-way wing in the league. In 2025-26, he faced much harder matchups than in his rookie year. Despite taking on tougher assignments, his defensive ranking jumped into the 87nd percentile for matchup difficulty.
He placed in the 84th percentile for perimeter isolation defense even while guarding the best scorers. He also ranked in the 88th percentile for mobile defense against screens. This means he can switch onto anyone and still stop them. He is not just a scorer anymore; he is a wall that opponents cannot break down.
The Leap Is Here
Skeptics say the Bulls will struggle in 2026-27. ESPN’s Summer Forecast projects the team to win only 31 games and miss the postseason. They might be right about the record, but they are wrong about the player. As a potential elite two-way player, Buzelis possesses the abilities necessary to lead his team during critical moments.
His growth between his first and second seasons was nothing short of remarkable. He increased his production to 20.0 points per 36 minutes while improving his shooting efficiency across the board.
