MATAS Buzelis

Buzelis played 77 games last season and averaged 29.2 minutes. He put up 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. He added 1.5 blocks and 0.7 steals, and that block number is strong for a forward. He shot 46.3 percent from the field, 34.9 percent from three and 78.6 percent at the line. His true shooting mark was 58.6 percent on a 22.3 usage rate. The weak spots were turnovers and team results. He averaged 2.1 turnovers, the same as his assists. Chicago was outscored by 4.0 points per game with him on the floor. The finish was rough. He had 17 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists against Indiana, but the Bulls lost. They also lost to San Antonio, New York and Orlando down the stretch.

With Buzelis on the floor this month, Chicago beat Phoenix, Milwaukee and Minnesota. They lost to Memphis, Denver and Toronto. His best night came against Milwaukee. He scored 19 points with 3 assists in 23.9 minutes and finished at +17.0. Next came the Minnesota win, with 14 points and 6 rebounds in 19.2 minutes and a +14.0. The low point was Memphis. He had 6 points and no rebounds in 12.5 minutes and finished at -19.0. His latest game was mixed. He scored 17 points with 6 rebounds against Toronto in 24.8 minutes, but the Bulls lost and he was -24.0. He has not played more than 25.6 minutes in any of these games, which is well under the 29.2 he averaged last season.

Earlier this month, Buzelis went on the injury report as day-to-day with a right ankle and leg issue. It did not keep him out. He played against Denver while still listed. He had 13 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists in 22.5 minutes and finished even at 0.0. He was cleared shortly after and has stayed off the report since. Since being cleared he has scored 19, 14 and 17 points. The listing came right after his quietest game of the month, the 6-point night in Memphis. For now nothing suggests the ankle is limiting him. His minutes have not dropped since he was cleared, and he has been one of Chicago's more steady scorers off that stretch.

Per a report this week, the Bulls exercised their 2027/28 options on Buzelis and Essengue. The move locks in his deal for that season. It is a routine step for a young player the front office wants to keep around. Buzelis also came up in a recent Bulls notes item that covered Graham, Wilson and Claxton. With the option done, his focus is on the court. He needs to cut the 2.1 turnovers he averaged last season. He also needs to push his 34.9 percent three-point shooting higher. The biggest goal is turning last season's -4.0 into winning minutes. His shot-blocking and scoring are already in place. Efficiency and team results will decide whether he gets more than the minutes he has seen in October.