RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Matas Buzelis was picked 11th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2024 draft. There was hype surrounding his name as a high leaper and as a five-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2023 class.
However, he had a relatively boring freshman season. It must because of the order given to him by the coaches.
The Lithuanian American forward is busy in the summer as he works out for the next season. One thing he is focusing on is his midrange which he revealed was something he was prevented from doing on the court.
“I wasn’t allowed to shoot the midrange [jumper] my first two years,” he said during a guesting on the Cousins podcasts hosted by Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady.
The hosts were aghast by Buzelis’ revelation and made him repeat his words.
The 21-year-old forward clarified that he was not allowed to operate on his own, meaning not having the liberty to dribble.
“Everyone calm down before I say it. The only two guys technically who are allowed to shoot the midrange are Shai and Kevin Durant, because they are above league average. . . [but] I feel like as a player and you can do that, do that,” he continued.
“. . . “Even f I make or miss one, psychologically for me, it’s a set up. You know how guys are.”
Mar 28, 2026; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan talks with forward Matas Buzelis (14) during the fourth quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
T-Mac and Carter thought the revelation is crazy and cited former MVPs and Final MVPs who mastered the art of midrange.
Buzelis’ statement supports that of his former teammate LaMelo Ball who said former coach Billy Donovan put him on a leash .
Matas Buzelis expected to improve on third year
The Bulls continue to be bottom dwellers but Buzelis has been their brightest spot. He almost doubled his 8.6 points per game in his freshman year to 16.3 this season.
Developing his outside shooting, just like what his new coach Tiago Splitter said he needs, can only make him more dangerous.
The Ringer put him on its “Most Intriguing Breakout Candidates” for the 2026-27 season. Their writers even think that he can win the Most Improved Player of the Year award.
What does he need to do to get to the next level? The Ringer said he needs to learn to play through the physicality.
Mar 23, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) reacts after scoring against the Houston Rockets during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images
The Ringer wrote:
Does Buzelis feel strong enough to weaponize the bumps he takes in the lane? The confidence, body awareness, and contact balance that came with targeted strength training played a big part in what fueled the star leaps from players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Deni Avdija.
Buzelis has already started the work on that part of his game. He said last month that he will workout with Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija to learn how to embrace the physicality.
Avjija became an All-Star last season and he became notable for being able to fish fouls from opponents.
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