The Chicago Bulls drafted Matas Buzelis with the 11th pick in this year’s draft. Though it is unknown what type of impact he can make on the team right away, there is a lot to be excited about regarding Buzelis. He is only 20 years old and already has a well-rounded game. Furthermore, it seems that he also has great confidence in himself, which can often translate well on the court.
In a recent interview with Chicago Sports Network, Buzelis spoke about his expectations for his rookie season and beyond. The Chicago native said he wants to win Rookie of the Year this season, and down the line, would like to bring championships to the franchise once again.
Matas Buzelis has big aspirations for his rookie season. pic.twitter.com/F0HSRfpW8W
— Chicago Sports Network (@CHSN__) October 1, 2024
“I want to win championships. For this rookie season, I want to win Rookie of the Year, and it’s gonna be on me if I don’t. It’s all up to me, whatever I do on the court, how consistent I am every day, and that will translate,” Buzelis said.
Matas Buzelis Reveals High Expectations for Rookie Year
Matas Buzelis’ Odds of Winning Rookie of the Year
Currently, the Bulls forward (+900) is tied with Los Angeles Lakers rookie Dalton Knecht with the fourth-best odds to win Rookie of the Year this season. Only Memphis Grizzlies big man Zach Edey (+600), Houston Rockets guard Reed Sheppard (+650), and Atlanta Hawks forward Zaccharie Risacher (+800) have better odds than Buzelis.
One thing Buzelis has going against him is it is unlikely he will start for the team right away. Currently, he will likely back up Zach LaVine, who will start the season in Chicago despite numerous trade rumors. Regardless, Buzelis is a talented player who can make an impact on the Bulls right away. Additionally, he has already impressed some of his teammates.
Per Julia Poe of the Chicago Tribune, guard Ayo Dosunmu is impressed by Buzelis’ athleticism.
“He’s the most athletic guy on our team,” guard Ayo Dosunmu said after the second day of training camp on Wednesday. “I could just have him come out here and dunk right now and you’d be like, ‘Oh my god.’ That’s just a God-given talent.”
Additionally, head coach Billy Donovan spoke about his athleticism as well.
“Everybody can see the athleticism,” Donovan said. “I think he’s got to find a game for himself.”
The Last Word On Matas Buzelis and the Chicago Bulls
Though he is not the betting favorite, Buzelis has a legitimate chance to win the Rookie of the Year award. If he does, he will be the first Bulls player since Derrick Rose (2009) to win the award. Regardless of what happens this season, expectations are high for Buzelis. For a Bulls team that is not competing for a championship currently, Buzelis will become an important player for them.
