There are plenty of "way too early" 2024 NBA mock drafts that predicted Matas Buzelis would be the first name off the board. The lanky 6'10" wing's streaky jumper with the G-League contributed to his slide last June, but the Bulls were wise to take the Chicago native 11th overall.
Bazelis struggled to adapt to the professional game in the first few months of the season but found his stride after the All-Star break, nearly doubling most of his counting stats. This scorching stretch helped him land an All-Rookie 2nd-Team nod and created plenty of hype for a second-year leap. Now, the 20-year-old is even drawing comparisons to a familiar face and current NBA Playoff hero.
While on the "CHGO Bulls" podcast, Bulls play-by-play commentator Adam Amin made an interesting observation.
"I think this is a team that needs Matas more than anything else," Amin said. "They need that type of kid's attitude. I look at what Alex Caruso has done in these playoffs and see that type of mentality again in a different skill set, body type, and player—regardless, every team needs a player like that. Regardless, I think Matas took the mantle of a player like that."
Amin might not be on the staff, but he's around these guys constantly and can see Buzelis' leadership firsthand on a daily basis. To allegedly have these traits before he can even purchase a beer is impressive and needed if this team wants to escape middle-of-the-pack purgatory.
Buzelis should be the only "untouchable" on the roster, and there should be a concerted effort to surround him with high-end talent as soon as possible.
