Matas Buzelis continues to emerge as one of the most promising young stars in the NBA. The 6-foot-10 forward made an immediate impact in the Chicago Bulls’ season opener, scoring 21 points and grabbing six rebounds in a 115-111 win over the Detroit Pistons.
“By the grace of God, I ended up here, and this means everything to me, being here and representing the Bulls,” Buzelis told DJ Siddiqi of RG, reflecting on playing for his hometown team. The former No. 11 overall draft pick is entering his second season as an established starter.
Buzelis has high aspirations for both himself and the team. “Individually, I want to win Most Improved Player,” he said. “As a team, I want to win a championship — plain and simple. You should be striving and having big dreams every year.”
The 21-year-old forward draws inspiration from Tracy McGrady, citing the Hall of Famer as a model for his own game. “I like Tracy McGrady… I would steal stuff from everyone and see what I can create,” Buzelis explained, highlighting his approach to developing versatility on the court.
Buzelis also praised point guard Josh Giddey. “Josh’s IQ is off the charts. He’s amazingly skillful at his height. Honestly to have him as a teammate is really special,” Buzelis said, comparing Giddey’s influence to that of Magic Johnson.
Chicago’s young core, led by Buzelis, Giddey, and Coby White, plays at a frenetic pace. Buzelis believes that style of play gives the Bulls a real chance at contending. “Absolutely, we can win a championship with this pace,” he said, pointing to the team’s high scoring and tempo.
Looking ahead, Buzelis sees potential in Bulls’ draft pick Noa Essengue. “His best trait right now is his defense… He’s going to grow into a player that can be really special,” Buzelis noted, emphasizing the importance of development for the Bulls’ success.
