Chicago Bulls head coach Billy Donovan recently praised rookie Matas Buzelis, highlighting his drive to improve and his resilience in the face of adversity.
Donovan expressed his admiration, saying, via K.C. Johnson, “He wants to be challenged. I love that as a coach. I think he wants the truth and handles the truth.”
The 11th overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft, Buzelis has made an immediate impact, averaging 7.7 points and 3.1 rebounds in 17.5 minutes per game.
Donovan also commended Buzelis’ mindset, noting, “I really admire and respect how he views adversity and mistakes as the only path forward to growth.”
Buzelis has started in 21 of the 70 games he’s played this season, improving his averages to 12.2 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.8 assists as a starter.
The rookie recently put up a career-high 31 points in a dominant win over the Los Angeles Lakers (146-115), showing his potential.
The Bulls (32-40) are currently 9th in the Eastern Conference, battling for a play-in spot as the regular season winds down.
Buzelis’ development remains key for the team’s playoff push as he continues to evolve into a valuable contributor for Chicago.
