Late Season Surge:: Buzelis's role and offensive opportunities increased significantly after the trade of Zach LaVine to the Kings on February 3rd.
Improved Scoring:: Since the trade, he's averaged 13.1 points per game (tied for 4th among rookies), shooting 48% from the field and 34.1% from three-point range.
Recent Hot Streak:: Since mid-March, his scoring jumped to 14.6 points per game with 43.8% three-point shooting, highlighting improved shot selection and decision-making.
Notable Performances:: He recorded a 31-point game against the Lakers and a 28-point game against the Mavericks in late March.
First Double-Double:: Buzelis recently achieved his first career double-double against the Portland Trail Blazers, tallying 12 points and a season-high 12 rebounds.
Why this matters:: Buzelis's development provides a bright spot for the Bulls' future and shows his potential to be a core piece. His rising performance also makes him a noteworthy player for fantasy basketball managers, especially in deeper leagues.
Matas Buzelis's rookie season didn't start with consistent minutes or a defined role. Initially in and out of the rotation, he learned under coach Billy Donovan that playing time is earned through effort and impact. The turning point appears to have been the trade deadline move involving Zach LaVine, which opened up more playing time and shots for the rookie.
Coach Donovan emphasizes controllable factors like intensity, energy, competitiveness, and toughness as crucial for Buzelis. His development was notably tested during a two-game Florida trip in early March, where he faced physical challenges from the Magic and Heat. Since then, teammates and coaching staff have observed a more consistent physical approach from the 6-foot-10 forward.
Donovan notes that while Buzelis's talent is undisputed, maximizing it requires consistent effort. The coaching staff aims to guide him without overwhelming him, focusing on learning from mistakes and growing. His recent stats reflect this growth, showcasing smarter play and increased efficiency, particularly from beyond the arc. His fantasy basketball value has also seen a significant rise, moving into top-50 territory in recent weeks.
Will Matas Buzelis win Rookie of the Year?
No, the consensus is that the Rookie of the Year award is out of reach for Buzelis, primarily due to a slower start compared to other top rookies like Stephon Castle, Alex Sarr, and Zaccharie Risacher.
What led to Buzelis's improvement?
Increased playing time and offensive opportunities following the Zach LaVine trade, combined with a focus on playing with intensity and toughness emphasized by Coach Billy Donovan, have been key factors.
How does he compare to other top rookies?
While players like Castle, Sarr, and Risacher have shown more consistency throughout the season, Buzelis has arguably been one of the most impressive rookies over the last few months, making a strong case for the All-Rookie First Team.
Bulls Future:: Buzelis's late-season emergence is a positive sign for the Chicago Bulls as they evaluate their young talent.
Fantasy Relevance:: His multi-category contributions (scoring, rebounding, blocks, threes) make him a valuable asset in fantasy basketball, particularly his recent performance boost.
Effort Matters:: Buzelis's journey highlights the importance of consistent effort and toughness, even for highly talented players, in earning minutes and impacting the game at the NBA level.
Do you think Matas Buzelis has done enough to secure a spot on the All-Rookie First Team? Let us know your thoughts!
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
The New York Knicks are electrifying the city with their compelling performance in the 2026 NBA Finals. Holding a 2-1 series lead against th...
During the intense NBA Finals series between the San Antonio Spurs and the New York Knicks, a concerning trend of hostility towards Spurs fa...
 Victor Wembanyama delivered...
The 2026 NBA Finals have not only showcased intense basketball action between the New York Knicks and the San Antonio Spurs but have also tr...
⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer