Rookie Matas Buzelis has finally found himself on head coach Billy Donovan’s good side.
After scoring a career-high 24 points on a perfect 10-10 shooting against the Miami Heat on Tuesday night, Buzelis has earned the first start of his young career. The former No. 11 overall pick will take the place of Lonzo Ball (who does not play in back-to-back sets) alongside Josh Giddey, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, and Nikola Vucevic.
The Bulls announced the lineup change a little less than 30 minutes before tip-off in Minnesota.
Matas Buzelis joins the starting lineup for the first time in his NBA career tonight vs. Minnesota.STREAM ➡️ t.co/dLgvAjeEdl@FirstAlert | #SeeRed pic.twitter.com/vdHG69Tvqx
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) February 6, 2025Matas Buzelis Lands First Start
Over the first 46 games of the regular season, the Bulls kept Matas Buzelis to less than 13.0 minutes per game despite solid results. It wasn’t until Patrick Williams moved to the bench that Donovan started to trust the rookie more, and he’s now averaged 24.9 minutes of action over his last five contests.
Buzelis’ two-way energy has been a breath of fresh air. He has scored in double figures in four straight games while also recording six blocks. With the franchise inching closer and closer toward a full-scale rebuild, a primary goal should be to increase his workload and build his confidence. Player development is now a top priority, and Buzelis holds easily the highest ceiling of any player on the team.
This potential was on full display against the Heat, as we watched him stretch the floor, create his own shot, and repeatedly finish over smaller defenders near the rim. With Zach LaVine out the door, there are plenty of more shot attempts to go around. Buzelis looks ready to snatch as many as he can.
The question now is whether or not Donovan will continue with this starting squad moving forward. Even if Lonzo Ball remains with the team past the deadline, opting for Buzelis would make plenty of sense. The Bulls have gone small by moving Williams to the second unit, starting four guards on a nightly basis. Buzelis’ size and rim protection capabilities could be exactly what a team allowing the single-most points in the paint per game needs in the starting lineup.
© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Matas Buzelis Earns First Start Following Career-High Night )
Also on site :