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

[DuckIII]

If he was a good shooter already he wouldn't have fallen to 11. If was a good shooter he probably would have gone top 3, right? We got a great prospect at 11 regardless.

I think everyone in this draft fell into one of these categories:
1: Really low floor, medium ceiling
2: Medium floor, low ceiling

There weren't really many even high floor guys or obvious really high ceiling guys. Now I'm sure a couple people will break the mold by doing something exceptional, because that usually happens.

We took a really low floor medium ceiling guy. Like if he fixes his shooting, he's Franz Wagner with a bit better defense? And if he doesn't he's like out of the league.

There are high ceiling players in this draft. Sarr has a high ceiling. Castle, Holland and Matas have high ceilings. If the latter three all had a high level perimeter shot this draft would have been talked about very differently. But none of them do.

I also don't think the floor for either Holland or Matas is out of the league. Its replaceable role player.

[madvillian]

If he was a good shooter already he wouldn't have fallen to 11. If was a good shooter he probably would have gone top 3, right? We got a great prospect at 11 regardless.

I think everyone in this draft fell into one of these categories:
1: Really low floor, medium ceiling
2: Medium floor, low ceiling

There weren't really many even high floor guys or obvious really high ceiling guys. Now I'm sure a couple people will break the mold by doing something exceptional, because that usually happens.

We took a really low floor medium ceiling guy. Like if he fixes his shooting, he's Franz Wagner with a bit better defense? And if he doesn't he's like out of the league.

As a Michigan fan I don't see the defensive comp for Matas. I think he might be a poor man's Franz overall, as his ceiling. Franz was bigger and had played in bigger games coming into the league and sorta hit the ground running. I don't expect Matas to be anywhere near big minutes ready until he's in his 3rd or 4th year. Franz was playing in germany's pro league at 16, and then had big time experience in big games at UM and gained a ton of good weight in their training program.

Both guys can get a three any time they want but can't really hit it. If either figures that part out, look out, but can't predict that given their struggles so far.

[Ben Wilson25]

If he was a good shooter already he wouldn't have fallen to 11. If was a good shooter he probably would have gone top 3, right? We got a great prospect at 11 regardless.

If he had a high quality 3-ball (high 30s, reasonably high volume) I think he probably would have been the first pick considering this draft and all of his other positive attributes.

I think you’re right as he was mocked as the #1 pick a year ago because of those other attributes and shooting 40% from 3 in HS. That JJ Reddick podcast that was posted a few pages back was recorded shortly after he had graduated and before he joined Ignite because he was the presumptive 2024 #1 pick at the time.

[Jcool0]

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?

I think posting a 30-second video showing Matas making 4 three-pointers and saying "looks like he can be a 36% 3pt shooter" is absolutely meaningless, so I followed up with my own meaningless video.

I could post a 10 minute video and that wouldn't really prove anything. Highlight videos dont show anything. The point was to look at his form and how he is taking those shots. It shows he has good form. His shot isn't broken. He also was 75% FT shooter. If he can get the distance corrected his % is going up.

[Jcool0]

If he was a good shooter already he wouldn't have fallen to 11. If was a good shooter he probably would have gone top 3, right? We got a great prospect at 11 regardless.

I think everyone in this draft fell into one of these categories:
1: Really low floor, medium ceiling
2: Medium floor, low ceiling

There weren't really many even high floor guys or obvious really high ceiling guys. Now I'm sure a couple people will break the mold by doing something exceptional, because that usually happens.

We took a really low floor medium ceiling guy. Like if he fixes his shooting, he's Franz Wagner with a bit better defense? And if he doesn't he's like out of the league.

Speaking of tiers:

There are a lot of different avenues for where Buzelis’s career can go. My high-end projection would see him as a second or (more likely) third option on a good team. There’s always the chance a player could make unforeseen, rare developments. But for Buzelis to become a leading man on a great at the NBA level, a lot would have to go right. He would have to fill out his frame to an impeccable degree, become an excellent three-point shooter, and make outlier improvements to his handle. But if Buzelis can simply “turn the dial” in a big way, that’s an awesome player. It’s possible that he can develop his frame to the point that he isn’t pushed around as easily on defense, becomes a good-to-great three-point shooter, and gets his handle to a point where he can run second-side actions without issue. It still requires a lot of things to click, but I don’t think it’s unrealistic. And if Buzelis can be a second or third option at 6’10”, we’re talking about boatloads of money flowing into his bank account. That’s the type of players teams picking at the top of the draft should be eyeing in this class.

Even a more median outcome still profiles well financially for Buzelis while still bringing value to an NBA organization. If he’s a solid shooter who hits open shots, it’ll open up driving lanes for his above-the-rim finishing and slick on-the-go passing. Plus, given his size and versatility as a defender, he’d be one of the most plug-and-play guys in the league who could fit into—and start—in almost any system. This is where I believe he’s most likely to settle, and it’s a lucrative outcome. 6’10” starters, and even good bench players if Buzelis falls a little bit short of this mark, get paid. Every team wants size, shooting, and defense on the wing, and there’s a very attainable avenue for Buzelis to deliver all three. If Buzelis isn’t a consistent or reliable three-point shooter, still struggles with turnovers, and the strength doesn’t come along, things get more precarious. But based on the growth we’ve seen from Buzelis in these respects over the last year, I’m more optimistic about his future than that. And still, the “lesser” versions of Buzelis are good NBA players in important positions.

https://www.noceilingsnba.com/p/matas-buzelis-and-the-path-to-big

[CROBulls]

If he was a good shooter already he wouldn't have fallen to 11. If was a good shooter he probably would have gone top 3, right? We got a great prospect at 11 regardless.

I think everyone in this draft fell into one of these categories:
1: Really low floor, medium ceiling
2: Medium floor, low ceiling

There weren't really many even high floor guys or obvious really high ceiling guys. Now I'm sure a couple people will break the mold by doing something exceptional, because that usually happens.

We took a really low floor medium ceiling guy. Like if he fixes his shooting, he's Franz Wagner with a bit better defense? And if he doesn't he's like out of the league.

As a Michigan fan I don't see the defensive comp for Matas. I think he might be a poor man's Franz overall, as his ceiling. Franz was bigger and had played in bigger games coming into the league and sorta hit the ground running. I don't expect Matas to be anywhere near big minutes ready until he's in his 3rd or 4th year. Franz was playing in germany's pro league at 16, and then had big time experience in big games at UM and gained a ton of good weight in their training program.

Both guys can get a three any time they want but can't really hit it. If either figures that part out, look out, but can't predict that given their struggles so far.

Well from interviews I saw that Matas didnt start playing basketball till he was freshman in highschool which put his at age 14. And last year at 18 straight from highschool he played in G-league against pro 25 year olds. So it's difficult for me to compare him to Franz's trajectory. Given that kid likely grew up playing basketball and as you said started playing in pro as 16 year old.

I see Matas more as gem prospect. If anything he has extra experience of adjusting to NBA and professional sport from those coming directly from college. Specially when it comes watching film after games. He knows that he needs to get stronger and bigger and work on his shot given how last season went.

[IliketheBullsNBearstoo]

I think everyone in this draft fell into one of these categories:
1: Really low floor, medium ceiling
2: Medium floor, low ceiling

There weren't really many even high floor guys or obvious really high ceiling guys. Now I'm sure a couple people will break the mold by doing something exceptional, because that usually happens.

We took a really low floor medium ceiling guy. Like if he fixes his shooting, he's Franz Wagner with a bit better defense? And if he doesn't he's like out of the league.

As a Michigan fan I don't see the defensive comp for Matas. I think he might be a poor man's Franz overall, as his ceiling. Franz was bigger and had played in bigger games coming into the league and sorta hit the ground running. I don't expect Matas to be anywhere near big minutes ready until he's in his 3rd or 4th year. Franz was playing in germany's pro league at 16, and then had big time experience in big games at UM and gained a ton of good weight in their training program.

Both guys can get a three any time they want but can't really hit it. If either figures that part out, look out, but can't predict that given their struggles so far.

Well from interviews I saw that Matas didnt start playing basketball till he was freshman in highschool which put his at age 14. And last year at 18 straight from highschool he played in G-league against pro 25 year olds. So it's difficult for me to compare him to Franz's trajectory. Given that kid likely grew up playing basketball and as you said started playing in pro as 16 year old.

I see Matas more as gem prospect. If anything he has extra experience of adjusting to NBA and professional sport from those coming directly from college. Specially when it comes watching film after games. He knows that he needs to get stronger and bigger and work on his shot given how last season went.

I don't think thats accurate. I believe I remember him saying he started playing in 6th grade and he didn't like basketball but then started liking it his freshman year when he had a growth spurt. I could be wrong too though, it might have been the JJ Redick interview.

[dougthonus]

I don't think thats accurate. I believe I remember him saying he started playing in 6th grade and he didn't like basketball but then started liking it his freshman year when he had a growth spurt. I could be wrong too though, it might have been the JJ Redick interview.

It's probably more about when you start getting really serious training with basketball and start putting in the hours of someone with an NBA future.

[MrSparkle]

From the JJ interview, Matas said he liked playing BB as a kid, but didn't care to watch it. Then as a freshman, he grew from 6ft to 6'5, flipped and became obsessed. Although I don't know how much to read into it. His parents were former pros, and lived in Chicago during the Derrick Rose years. I'm sure there was a TV on with 8yo Matas watching the Bulls. Maybe he lost interest cause of the ACL tear. I know I would.

No doubt he grew up in a more privileged situation (I guess he's technically a Lithuanian sports nepo baby), and his HS had them watching film after every game. There's definitely a benefit to having a teenager developed with a pro level of analytics training. I don't think you worry about his IQ or fundamentals as much as getting him to develop elite strength/conditioning/shooting/handles. Granted, the latter is not easy, but it seems like bad court awareness is borderline impossible to fix in the pros. The instincts and habits are mostly cemented in your teens (not so much related to skills or work ethic).

So good IQ, good size & hops, good all-around skills. Objectively speaking, I'd be more nervous drafting Holland (shooting), Risacher (handles, shooting translation, motor), Reed (height), Salaun (handles, very raw), Dillingham (size), Cody (motor)... I get the Clingan and Edey picks, but I'd also not want to take them over Matas.

I see an argument for taking each guy over Matas, but I also can't believe it happened 10x. We'll see, but hopefully we got the Klay-caliber steal. I guess if he's getting cooked cause he can't move his feet, or he can't shoot 3Ps better than 30%, we'll have a problem, but sheesh - I think the Ignite just F'd up the development and evaluation of their prospects.

[IliketheBullsNBearstoo]

I don't think thats accurate. I believe I remember him saying he started playing in 6th grade and he didn't like basketball but then started liking it his freshman year when he had a growth spurt. I could be wrong too though, it might have been the JJ Redick interview.

It's probably more about when you start getting really serious training with basketball and start putting in the hours of someone with an NBA future.

Fair enough, just pointing out that he did play the game before that.

[Chi town]

What has me most encouraged about Matas on offense is his bump dribble into an open jumper. It creates lots of space without a charge.

Second, is his contested 3ball. He actually shoots it when Pat would pass. Matas will pull when contested on CS and off the dribble.

He will get tons of space to shoot with Giddey driving and kicking. I think Patton will get him dialed in quick.

I also hope Phillips develops to push Matas so he isn’t just given free mins. I want him to earn it.

[madvillian]

What has me most encouraged about Matas on offense is his bump dribble into an open jumper. It creates lots of space without a charge.

Second, is his contested 3ball. He actually shoots it when Pat would pass. Matas will pull when contested on CS and off the dribble.

He will get tons of space to shoot with Giddey driving and kicking. I think Patton will get him dialed in quick.

I also hope Phillips develops to push Matas so he isn’t just given free mins. I want him to earn it.

I watched a few of his full game highlights and I'd say his most promising attribute is ability to get to his spots. That's something that should translate, at least after a year or two in a NBA weight training program. He has some Luka or perhaps even Dirk like attributes in the half court where he can keep his dribble alive and get to where he wants to shoot.

As for something I thought was a bit worse than "advertised" he's not really explosive. He honestly reminded me a lot of Pat. Two footed leaper for the most part. Can be athletic but not what I would call explosive.

[Chi town]

Matas against Flagg

https://youtube.com/shorts/1KNf7xt7Z5Q?si=NifItohAo1wF5k41

[JohnnyKILLroy]

What has me most encouraged about Matas on offense is his bump dribble into an open jumper. It creates lots of space without a charge.

Second, is his contested 3ball. He actually shoots it when Pat would pass. Matas will pull when contested on CS and off the dribble.

He will get tons of space to shoot with Giddey driving and kicking. I think Patton will get him dialed in quick.

I also hope Phillips develops to push Matas so he isn’t just given free mins. I want him to earn it.

I watched a few of his full game highlights and I'd say his most promising attribute is ability to get to his spots. That's something that should translate, at least after a year or two in a NBA weight training program. He has some Luka or perhaps even Dirk like attributes in the half court where he can keep his dribble alive and get to where he wants to shoot.

As for something I thought was a bit worse than "advertised" he's not really explosive. He honestly reminded me a lot of Pat. Two footed leaper for the most part. Can be athletic but not what I would call explosive.

Blocking shots and dunking he looks really explosive ?

He’s like Kirilenko without the pterodactyl wingspan

[waffle]

for someone his size he does seem to have the ability to weave through traffic. And he's not slow. His shot LOOKS ok so it doesn't need an overhaul I guess? And me sure as heck seems to have a nose for the basket. He is very good at taking that extra dribble, making the extra cut, that gets him an easy bucket. Maybe he can teach Pat something

[bledredwine]

not really a believer in him, but i like that we picked an upside guy who theoretically fills a need. and from what i've seen, it's hard not to like him personally.

excited for you to prove me wrong, matas!

My thoughts exactly. It’s apparent that the Bulls need someone special. Keep swinging in the draft because we’re not luring anyone special in free agency.

This is refreshing after some of the horse**** picks from the past like Marcus Teague.

[_txchilibowl_]

Matas against Flagg

https://youtube.com/shorts/1KNf7xt7Z5Q?si=NifItohAo1wF5k41

That's nice that's nice

[madvillian]

What has me most encouraged about Matas on offense is his bump dribble into an open jumper. It creates lots of space without a charge.

Second, is his contested 3ball. He actually shoots it when Pat would pass. Matas will pull when contested on CS and off the dribble.

He will get tons of space to shoot with Giddey driving and kicking. I think Patton will get him dialed in quick.

I also hope Phillips develops to push Matas so he isn’t just given free mins. I want him to earn it.

I watched a few of his full game highlights and I'd say his most promising attribute is ability to get to his spots. That's something that should translate, at least after a year or two in a NBA weight training program. He has some Luka or perhaps even Dirk like attributes in the half court where he can keep his dribble alive and get to where he wants to shoot.

As for something I thought was a bit worse than "advertised" he's not really explosive. He honestly reminded me a lot of Pat. Two footed leaper for the most part. Can be athletic but not what I would call explosive.

Blocking shots and dunking he looks really explosive ?

He’s like Kirilenko without the pterodactyl wingspan

I don't see it. I see a guy that looks pretty floorbound unless he winds up. Just my opinion based on some short vids. I'm sure I'll have much more to think about after a few SL games against fellow guys that will probably be in the NBA come fall.

[DuckIII]

What has me most encouraged about Matas on offense is his bump dribble into an open jumper. It creates lots of space without a charge.

Second, is his contested 3ball. He actually shoots it when Pat would pass. Matas will pull when contested on CS and off the dribble.

He will get tons of space to shoot with Giddey driving and kicking. I think Patton will get him dialed in quick.

I also hope Phillips develops to push Matas so he isn’t just given free mins. I want him to earn it.

I watched a few of his full game highlights and I'd say his most promising attribute is ability to get to his spots. That's something that should translate, at least after a year or two in a NBA weight training program. He has some Luka or perhaps even Dirk like attributes in the half court where he can keep his dribble alive and get to where he wants to shoot.

As for something I thought was a bit worse than "advertised" he's not really explosive. He honestly reminded me a lot of Pat. Two footed leaper for the most part. Can be athletic but not what I would call explosive.

Blocking shots and dunking he looks really explosive ?

He’s like Kirilenko without the pterodactyl wingspan

He’s explosive. Just look at the video and his combine data. Subjectively, objectively, it’s there.

Everything is there frankly except for the perimeter shot and strength. And no doubt the strength is coming. The ceiling with a reliable 3 ball is very high. Without it, it’s athletic role player.

[waffle]

Remember how skinny Horace Grant was coming into the league? Or Pip? Grant was like 210 lbs or some such. I think Pip was abluot the same. But they both had good frames, broad shoulders. I have real hope that Matas can put on useful weight and still stay slippery