2024 NBA Draft - Chicago Bulls select Matas Buzelis with the 11th pick

[drosestruts]

I'm probably in a company of one in this thinking, but I'm not worried in the least bit about Matas shooting. In fact I'd be shocked if he's below 35% from 3 in his rookie year.

Like your optimism, what's the basis for it?

IIRC someone said that he came into last season injured and out of shape and that he shot 39% for his last 10 games, but I have no evidence to that end.

Like I was telling Duck, I don't put much stake in Ignite shooting percentages. His form is sound, and he has repeatable mechanics. Plus he didn't shoot below 40% from 3 in college. I think he'll have the same adjustment Pat did shooting wise.

1 - he shot well for a year in highschool (much shorter 3-point line). He never played college ball. I have no idea what is yearly high school stats were

2 - it's not like there some precedent for Ignite players looking better in the NBA than they did in the Ignite.

Scoot Henderson was bad there and he's bad in the NBA
Dyson Daniels still can't shoot
Jalen Green - shot 36% from 3 in his g-league season, has never shot higher than 34% in the pros (which has not stopped him from putting up 7 3's a game)
Kuminga - one year at 37% other two including this past year 32% from 3

Is hope the reason people are so dismissive of our most recent sample size of his shooting? I don't think it's hating on the kid to say he needs to develop a shot and listing it as a current weakness

[Kurt Heimlich]

Like your optimism, what's the basis for it?

IIRC someone said that he came into last season injured and out of shape and that he shot 39% for his last 10 games, but I have no evidence to that end.

Like I was telling Duck, I don't put much stake in Ignite shooting percentages. His form is sound, and he has repeatable mechanics. Plus he didn't shoot below 40% from 3 in college. I think he'll have the same adjustment Pat did shooting wise.

1 - he shot well for a year in highschool (much shorter 3-point line). He never played college ball. I have no idea what is yearly high school stats were

2 - it's not like there some precedent for Ignite players looking better in the NBA than they did in the Ignite.

Scoot Henderson was bad there and he's bad in the NBA
Dyson Daniels still can't shoot
Jalen Green - shot 36% from 3 in his g-league season, has never shot higher than 34% in the pros (which has not stopped him from putting up 7 3's a game)
Kuminga - one year at 37% other two including this past year 32% from 3

Is hope the reason people are so dismissive of our most recent sample size of his shooting? I don't think it's hating on the kid to say he needs to develop a shot and listing it as a current weakness

Desperate grasps at hope for long and lost fans craving some reason to keep that hope afloat for a brighter future for this long lost and adrift franchise is how I explain these fairly common rationalizations.

[Dresden]

I didn't like the pick when it was made, esp. when Knecht was still on the board, but watching more of his highlights, there is a lot to like about the kid. Being 6'9" is obviously nice, given our lack of size. His shot looks good to me, I'd be surprised if he doesn't become at least an average 3 pt shooter. But what I really like are his handles- guys that size that have the ability to beat guys off the dribble, or go end to end with a rebound are pretty rare and pretty valuable. He also seems to have a high motor, and is fairly athletic for someone his size, also big plusses in my book. He just needs to add about 20 pounds of muscle.

[Jcool0]

Looks like someone who can be a 36+% 3pt shooter

Watch on YouTube

[Jvaughn]

Like your optimism, what's the basis for it?

IIRC someone said that he came into last season injured and out of shape and that he shot 39% for his last 10 games, but I have no evidence to that end.

Like I was telling Duck, I don't put much stake in Ignite shooting percentages. His form is sound, and he has repeatable mechanics. Plus he didn't shoot below 40% from 3 in college. I think he'll have the same adjustment Pat did shooting wise.

1 - he shot well for a year in highschool (much shorter 3-point line). He never played college ball. I have no idea what is yearly high school stats were

2 - it's not like there some precedent for Ignite players looking better in the NBA than they did in the Ignite.

Scoot Henderson was bad there and he's bad in the NBA
Dyson Daniels still can't shoot
Jalen Green - shot 36% from 3 in his g-league season, has never shot higher than 34% in the pros (which has not stopped him from putting up 7 3's a game)
Kuminga - one year at 37% other two including this past year 32% from 3

Is hope the reason people are so dismissive of our most recent sample size of his shooting? I don't think it's hating on the kid to say he needs to develop a shot and listing it as a current weakness

1. Mistype. Meant to write he never shot below 40% in high school. His full high school stats were posted online before (can't find it now) and he wasn't below 40% from the line.

2. I'm not taking Ignite stats at face value, because it was an awful development program that didn't look at team construction or fit when it put these teams together. It's the same reason Jalen Green and Jonathan Kuminga looked inefficient there.

I'm not being dismissive of other people's opinion on it. I even stated I was probably alone in my thinking there. I just don't think that a player goes from having a profile as a shooter to forgetting how to shoot over the course of one year.

[waffle]

I'm generally an optimistic guy..

so

I'm pretty optimistic about this pick

I love the handles. I like the quickness for someone his size. He seems to have REALLY good instincts on both O and D.

He also seems like a great kid

And, yes, he needs to put on 20 lbs but he has decent shoulders and legs. He LOOKS like someone who could put on SOME weight

I like his shooting form as well

SOOOOOOO...optimistic?

[Jcool0]

Like your optimism, what's the basis for it?

IIRC someone said that he came into last season injured and out of shape and that he shot 39% for his last 10 games, but I have no evidence to that end.

Like I was telling Duck, I don't put much stake in Ignite shooting percentages. His form is sound, and he has repeatable mechanics. Plus he didn't shoot below 40% from 3 in college. I think he'll have the same adjustment Pat did shooting wise.

1 - he shot well for a year in highschool (much shorter 3-point line). He never played college ball. I have no idea what is yearly high school stats were

2 - it's not like there some precedent for Ignite players looking better in the NBA than they did in the Ignite.

Scoot Henderson was bad there and he's bad in the NBA
Dyson Daniels still can't shoot
Jalen Green - shot 36% from 3 in his g-league season, has never shot higher than 34% in the pros (which has not stopped him from putting up 7 3's a game)
Kuminga - one year at 37% other two including this past year 32% from 3

Is hope the reason people are so dismissive of our most recent sample size of his shooting? I don't think it's hating on the kid to say he needs to develop a shot and listing it as a current weakness

Henderson last 14 games of his rookie year was averaging 18.9 ppg & 7.9 assits shooting 40/39/80. So almost 40% from 3 at 5.8 attempts. Positive to build on.

[SalmonsSuperfan]

"thanks to everyone who doubted me" he says. why do they always say this? the 6 foot 10 child of two professional basketball players is also a professional basketball player, color me surprised. hey this reminds me, how can I change my username to "One Man's Trash"?

[fleet]

Givony:

Matas Buzelis is peaking at the right time

After missing the first three months of the G League season with ankle injuries, Buzelis was slow out of the gates but has been playing his best basketball of late. He's shooting 39% from 3 over his past 10 games, has transformed himself from being a poor defender to being extremely impactful on and off the ball, and is soaking up increased usage successfully with ball-dominant Ron Holland now sidelined for the season with a thumb injury.

Buzelis was on a major platform this past weekend at the Rising Stars game, where he was able to match up with Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren, Charlotte's Brandon Miller and many other of the NBA's most talented young players. He showed his passing creativity, shot-making prowess, defensive playmaking instincts and all-around aggressiveness attacking opponents consistently -- even hitting a game-winning turnaround jumper to advance to the championship game.

Being able to showcase his tremendous size, improving frame and intriguing versatility on both ends of the floor was a major opportunity for Buzelis, something that will likely stick with the many NBA executives in attendance ahead of the pre-draft process.
Having weighed 185 pounds exactly a year ago, Buzelis is now at 205, which has unlocked some added explosiveness and an ability to initiate and play through contact more effectively on both ends of the floor. Buzelis is always looming as a weakside rim-protector and is doing a much better job of getting in a low stance, turning his hips and sliding his feet on the perimeter, staying down on fakes and showing impressive instincts staying attached to opponents.

His shot-creation prowess is something teams want to see him continue to make strides with, as he's been somewhat of a mixed bag operating out of pick-and-roll and in isolation, not always able to beat defenders cleanly off the bounce and finish what he creates, due to his lack of strength. Buzelis' jumper has been streaky -- he's 22-for-84 from 3 in 26 games -- but has been on an upward trajectory, showing clean mechanics, a high release and confidence with his shot-making prowess, something teams will be studying closely in the pre-draft process.

Buzelis was the original No. 1 prospect in our very first mock draft released one year ago, and he's putting himself back in that conversation with the way he's playing of late. He's got several more weeks to continue building momentum before his season comes to a close. He should continue to benefit from being a top offensive option for Ignite with Holland out. -- Jonathan Givony

If a valid scouting report, why does he drop to 11?

[Axl Rose]

"thanks to everyone who doubted me" he says. why do they always say this? the 6 foot 10 child of two professional basketball players is also a professional basketball player, color me surprised. hey this reminds me, how can I change my username to "One Man's Trash"?

In fairness the reporter kinda forced him into some trash talk when it clearly wasn't the moment. He was so emotional and thankful about being drafted and not in that kind of headspace. They should have dropped that line of questioning.

[kulaz3000]

"thanks to everyone who doubted me" he says. why do they always say this? the 6 foot 10 child of two professional basketball players is also a professional basketball player, color me surprised. hey this reminds me, how can I change my username to "One Man's Trash"?

When you're tall, and your parents are professional athletes, you have that added pressure to make something of yourself as far as being a professional athletes go. Just because you have the table set so to speak, it takes a lot of hard work, especially as a young kid to dedicate your time into your craft, as opposed to having fun with your friends.

Plus, he was a highly touted high schooler, who had lots of ups and downs with the Ignite, so I'm sure there were plenty of people who doubted him during the draft process. Sometimes you need to use whatever you can as motivation, and if he is built that way, I take that as a good thing.

[Bulliever2020]

Interesting, Matas with the 4th best odds to win ROTY on ESPN BET

https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/40159558/betting-buzz-latest-sports-betting-odds-updates-changes-line-moves-industry-intel

[drosestruts]

Looks like someone who can be a 36+% 3pt shooter

Watch on YouTube

This guy too?

Watch on YouTube

[DuckIII]

Givony:

Matas Buzelis is peaking at the right time

After missing the first three months of the G League season with ankle injuries, Buzelis was slow out of the gates but has been playing his best basketball of late. He's shooting 39% from 3 over his past 10 games, has transformed himself from being a poor defender to being extremely impactful on and off the ball, and is soaking up increased usage successfully with ball-dominant Ron Holland now sidelined for the season with a thumb injury.

Buzelis was on a major platform this past weekend at the Rising Stars game, where he was able to match up with Oklahoma City's Chet Holmgren, Charlotte's Brandon Miller and many other of the NBA's most talented young players. He showed his passing creativity, shot-making prowess, defensive playmaking instincts and all-around aggressiveness attacking opponents consistently -- even hitting a game-winning turnaround jumper to advance to the championship game.

Being able to showcase his tremendous size, improving frame and intriguing versatility on both ends of the floor was a major opportunity for Buzelis, something that will likely stick with the many NBA executives in attendance ahead of the pre-draft process.
Having weighed 185 pounds exactly a year ago, Buzelis is now at 205, which has unlocked some added explosiveness and an ability to initiate and play through contact more effectively on both ends of the floor. Buzelis is always looming as a weakside rim-protector and is doing a much better job of getting in a low stance, turning his hips and sliding his feet on the perimeter, staying down on fakes and showing impressive instincts staying attached to opponents.

His shot-creation prowess is something teams want to see him continue to make strides with, as he's been somewhat of a mixed bag operating out of pick-and-roll and in isolation, not always able to beat defenders cleanly off the bounce and finish what he creates, due to his lack of strength. Buzelis' jumper has been streaky -- he's 22-for-84 from 3 in 26 games -- but has been on an upward trajectory, showing clean mechanics, a high release and confidence with his shot-making prowess, something teams will be studying closely in the pre-draft process.

Buzelis was the original No. 1 prospect in our very first mock draft released one year ago, and he's putting himself back in that conversation with the way he's playing of late. He's got several more weeks to continue building momentum before his season comes to a close. He should continue to benefit from being a top offensive option for Ignite with Holland out. -- Jonathan Givony

If a valid scouting report, why does he drop to 11?

For all kinds of unique reasons specific to each team that drafted in front of us. Great players slide all the time. I don't understand your question.

[fleet]

Givony:

If a valid scouting report, why does he drop to 11?

For all kinds of unique reasons specific to each team that drafted in front of us. Great players slide all the time. I don't understand your question.

Because I truly have no idea. To give you an idea of my level of interest in the Bulls and NBA these days, I can’t name a single player in this draft other that Matas. Great players slide all the time yes. Givony’s top player at one point, Matas was putting himself back to that level, this is quite a fall.

[SalmonsSuperfan]

"thanks to everyone who doubted me" he says. why do they always say this? the 6 foot 10 child of two professional basketball players is also a professional basketball player, color me surprised. hey this reminds me, how can I change my username to "One Man's Trash"?

When you're tall, and your parents are professional athletes, you have that added pressure to make something of yourself as far as being a professional athletes go. Just because you have the table set so to speak, it takes a lot of hard work, especially as a young kid to dedicate your time into your craft, as opposed to having fun with your friends.

Plus, he was a highly touted high schooler, who had lots of ups and downs with the Ignite, so I'm sure there were plenty of people who doubted him during the draft process. Sometimes you need to use whatever you can as motivation, and if he is built that way, I take that as a good thing.

Nobody is "doubting" these people. Is it "doubt" to tell a teenager something like "the chances of making the NBA are pretty slim". I'm certain that's what they're always talking about. Makes sense for somebody like Jimmy Butler to have a chip on his shoulder considering his upbringing (who unsurprisingly, like every other NBA player, has a quote about doubters), I just don't understand this persecution complex endemic in millionaire athletes who won the genetic lottery.

[WindyCityBorn]

Looks like someone who can be a 36+% 3pt shooter

Watch on YouTube

This guy too?

Watch on YouTube

Please tell me this is a joke and you don’t actually think this is reasonable or rational comparison?

[Repeat 3-peat]

Read on Twitter

[kulaz3000]

If a valid scouting report, why does he drop to 11?

For all kinds of unique reasons specific to each team that drafted in front of us. Great players slide all the time. I don't understand your question.

Because I truly have no idea. To give you an idea of my level of interest in the Bulls and NBA these days, I can’t name a single player in this draft other that Matas. Great players slide all the time yes. Givony’s top player at one point, Matas was putting himself back to that level, this is quite a fall.

Is it quite a fall though? I say he was projected anywhere between 5-9 in most mock drafts, so yeah, he fell some, but I don't think it was some significant fall either. If you look at the players who leapt above Matas as far as the mock projections goes, it was Edey, Salaun, and to a degree Holland. Edey being a surprise but not a surprise pick by the Grizzlies, Salaun, I think was a slight reach, and Holland really doesn't fit with the Pistons, but has probably the most upside - I'd say Holland and Matas flipped in terms of projections in mock drafts.

[NecessaryEvil]

Read on Twitter

Soooo who do we want next year?