Here’s a bold statement: even in the midst of a crushing losing streak, there’s a glimmer of hope for the Chicago Bulls, and his name is Matas Buzelis. But here’s where it gets controversial—while Buzelis is showing flashes of brilliance, the team’s struggles raise questions about whether his development is enough to turn the tide. Let’s dive in.
Billy Donovan, the Bulls’ coach, is no stranger to tough conversations. Yet, his recent heart-to-heart with second-year forward Matas Buzelis stood out. It wasn’t just another chat—it was the talk. Buzelis had arrived at the Advocate Center around 8 p.m., eager for extra practice, while Donovan was deep in strategy mode, trying to halt the team’s downward spiral. The stage was set for a pivotal moment.
Donovan’s message was clear: Buzelis needed to stay aggressive, especially from beyond the arc. And this is the part most people miss—while many believe Buzelis should avoid mid-range shots entirely, Donovan’s real issue is with bad mid-range attempts. Think of Dirk Nowitzki, the legendary exception who mastered the one-legged fadeaway. Buzelis? He’s no Dirk—at least not yet. Instead, Donovan wants him to use his ball-handling skills to attack the rim or create space for smarter mid-range shots.
Take Wednesday’s blowout loss to Charlotte, for example. Buzelis dropped a career-high 32 points on 13-of-19 shooting, including 6-of-11 from three. But it was his two mid-range attempts—one made, one missed—that caught Donovan’s approval. Both were executed with purpose, not desperation. As Donovan put it, Buzelis needs to be ‘shiftier and craftier’ with the ball, keeping defenders guessing—a hallmark of elite scorers.
Here’s the controversial part: Is Buzelis’ development enough to salvage a sinking season? While his 32-point outburst was impressive, the Bulls are mired in a 10-game losing streak. Buzelis himself admits, ‘I’m going to be what the team needs me to be,’ but even his defiant flag-waving can’t mask the team’s struggles. His seven rebounds and two assists against the Hornets were bright spots, but they’re drops in the ocean of a 2025-26 season gone awry.
The roster turnover at the trade deadline hasn’t helped. ‘When you trade half the team, it’s tough,’ Buzelis said. ‘But it’s no excuse.’ Donovan’s mantra—‘Get 10 guys on the same page, and you can win anything’—sounds inspiring, but is it realistic? With 23 games left, Buzelis’ focus should be on refining his shot profile and making winning plays, even if the team isn’t winning. But here’s the question: Can individual growth truly thrive in a losing environment, or is Buzelis fighting an uphill battle?
As Buzelis continues to evolve, one thing is clear: he’s a beacon of potential in a season of disappointment. But whether that potential translates into team success remains to be seen. What do you think? Is Buzelis the future cornerstone of the Bulls, or is he just another talented player stuck in a losing culture? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments!
