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

[sco]

Let's put aside Pat's shortcomings for the moment, he came into the league a with a slightly more complete game, but more importantly, an NBA body. That said, if history is a teacher here, I think that handing a rookie pick a big role as rookie usually causes these guys to diminish their development internal drive and they have more of sophomore slump. It also depends on where the team is contention-wise, so I think giving Matas 10-12MPG to start the season is good. Let him earn his way up to 20-22 by the end of the season.

I agree with the comment about having an NBA body. That's probably a big deal. Wasn't Pat able to somewhat guard guys like Lebron in his rookie season? Or did that start to happen in subsequent years?

Yeah, I remember Chet Holmgren was built like Matas in his rookie year, and that Chet's body broke down almost immediately in preseason year playing against NBA competition for the first time. Chet got a season ending injury before the NBA season gates were ever opened. Matas desperately needs to hit the weight room.

To be fair, Holmgren is 7'1 and built like a Tim Burton character and Matas is 6'9, with much shorter legs and a lower center of gravity. While still slight, he's not freakish in terms of his build impacting injury risk too much. He'll get pushed around in the blocks, but I worry less in that regard. I expect that his playing time will be most impacted by his foul rate.

[MrSparkle]

I checked out most of this game out of curiosity.

Watch on YouTube

Boy does watching a full game change perceptions formed from highlight reels and scouting reports.

Don't know how indicative it is of the whole season, but thoughts:

- Ron Holland is going to be a bust. Maybe too harsh. Perhaps the Pistons find an oppressive/mean defensive identity with him and Ausar, but the Pistons are going to be one of the worst shooting teams of all-time. Ron showcased fugly offense in this game. Bad shot, horrible touch, turnover-prone dribble, insanely bad and risky passes. OK - he showcases confidence, intensity, athleticism, toughness. He has the base handles, speed and power to force his way to the basket for FTAs and layups. And he'll defend NBA wings. I think he'll get into trouble with overly aggressive defense, quick fouls. Times where he crashed the glass and just barreled into stationary offensive rebounders and got called for the foul. I see raw talent, but he looks more like a mid/late 1st to me, after watching this game. I'd need a bigger sample size and argument to choose him over a Julian Phillips. Just the 1 sample game, but I don't know if a lucky shooting night would change my perception unless he really shot his percents up. The form looks bad. Of course I see a path where he can improve a lot. He's young and really built. But I don't know why the Ignite made him their #1 option. Total clown show at numerous points in the video. 1:05:01 and 1:05:30 for two Shaqtin-a-Fools in a 30 seconds (OK I guess the slip is a slip). His opening tip pass to the stands (instead of a cutting Matas) was mind-boggling. Sometimes effective, but sloppy handles - reminded me a little of Wiggins'. Don't think that dribble cuts it in the NBA.

- The coach for the Ignite should've been fired before the team folded (really, Amir Johnson??).

- London Johnson would be lucky to get a job playing PG in China. JC it was frustrating watch him run point. Bad at EVERYTHING you'd want in an NBA PG, other than "looks the part."

- Matas was iced off ball, but seemed to be by and far the most unselfish, positionally smart and efficient player on the floor. Also actually positioned himself for rebounds, boxed out, etc. whereas a lot of the other "athletic freaks" just missed easy defensive rebounds. He'd also be the first guy subbed out... Like, after making a good dunk? Truly confused with the handling of Matas in this game. He showcased at least 2 great iso drives into traffic with slick moves, and blocked the biggest Perth big while taking contact, so there's reason to think he might not be a frail tooth pick in the pros.

- I could see why Sarr wasn't a consensus #1. He's kind of "quiet". But then you check his stat line, and it was 17/7 with 6 blocks and a steal. I think he's gonna be a good NBA player, esp. the modern type who is a position less big man. Tried to cross-over Matas on 1 possession and traveled, but I can see his handles improving a lot, along with his shot.. and honestly, Matas didn't look overpowered/sized by Sarr; a bigger prospect. Sarr is also very skinny though. Will have a bad NBA rim % I think, until he adds weight.

Overall... Lol - I literally could not believe my eyes. I don't know how the Ignite blew out Perth, other than that team was also very bad. The play style reminded me of the Boylen era where the Bulls/Dunn & friends kept turning it over, stealing the ball, bricking a layup, stealing the ball, shooting an airball, etc. I guess it was feisty basketball with deplorable offense and un-disciplined defensive/rebounding positioning. Their vet C Eric Mikas sometimes made good plays (swinging the ball) but also just had some plumber on the floor moments.

Matas might've had a good humbling experience with the Ignite, but I don't know what else to take away. Maybe the off-ball patience and physicality will help expedite his development. IMO he'll be able to handle the ball in transition, secondary play-make, shoot 3Ps and defend at the NBA level. Maybe not in November, but the ball's in his court. I also think that Billy/Bulls' concept will benefit him more than the Ignite. Unless Zach and Demar are back. He may find it a joyous ecstasy playing with Giddey (and who knows, maybe even Lonzo! ). I'm feeling even better about the pick after the game, and glad my un-vetted preference for Holland didn't happen.

[madvillian]

I checked out most of this game out of curiosity.

Watch on YouTube

Boy does watching a full game change perceptions formed from highlight reels and scouting reports.

Don't know how indicative it is of the whole season, but thoughts:

- Ron Holland is going to be a bust. Such fugly offense. Bad shot, horrible touch, turnover-prone dribble, insanely bad and risky passes.

Thank god the Pistons grabbed him because I don't see it either. He like Ben Simmons reluctant to shoot. And now he's going to have to improve going against NBA athletes. Right now dude kinda looked like a rich man's Javonte imo.

In general the G league is a pretty hard product to watch. It's similar to SL. You got a bunch of guys that are just trying to get theirs.

[DuckIII]

There's almost no chance Buzelis doesn't play at least 10 MPG from the jump.

From all accounts, the FO is thrilled that he fell to us at 11 and he's a young raw project player with a high ceiling. He needs to play to develop. Having him sit on the bench or toil in the G League for most of the season isn't going to help him, plus it looks like we're going to be taking a step back this season (not that we were good in the first place), so there's literally no reason not to play him.

And the people said Amen.

[DuckIII]

I checked out most of this game out of curiosity.

Watch on YouTube

Boy does watching a full game change perceptions formed from highlight reels and scouting reports.

Don't know how indicative it is of the whole season, but thoughts:

- Ron Holland is going to be a bust. Such fugly offense. Bad shot, horrible touch, turnover-prone dribble, insanely bad and risky passes.

Thank god the Pistons grabbed him because I don't see it either. He like Ben Simmons reluctant to shoot. And now he's going to have to improve going against NBA athletes. Right now dude kinda looked like a rich man's Javonte imo.

In general the G league is a pretty hard product to watch. It's similar to SL. You got a bunch of guys that are just trying to get theirs.

I wouldn’t say I “see it” with Holland either in the sense that his offense needs an incredible amount of skill work. But his D and motor are both legit and his athleticism is higher level even by NBA standards. I would have liked him at 11 (but not over Matas who I was shocked fell to us). He’s a good dice roll especially in this draft.

Is he a good fit for the Pistons? Eh. Can’t shoot. Which describes a lot of their young core. So that’s weird. But it’s my understanding they brought in one of the most respected shooting coaches around. We’ll see how it goes.

I think they just decided to go straight upside mode, and will trade off the youngsters they don’t like after the new FO gets a look at everyone.

I certainly don’t hate the pick at all. But if he does not develop his offense significantly his ceiling will be a defensive specialist.

[madvillian]

I checked out most of this game out of curiosity.

Watch on YouTube

Boy does watching a full game change perceptions formed from highlight reels and scouting reports.

Don't know how indicative it is of the whole season, but thoughts:

- Ron Holland is going to be a bust. Such fugly offense. Bad shot, horrible touch, turnover-prone dribble, insanely bad and risky passes.

I certainly don’t hate the pick at all. But he f he does not develop his offense significantly he will be a defensive specialist.

Worst case: Thybulle.

Median case: AC

Best case: Jimmy.

That seems fair to me. I just think he's so far away from even being median that you're going to have to be giving him a 2nd contract just hoping and praying.

We'll see, nobody knows how these guys will pan out 5 years from now, but at 5? Man, I'd probably rather have Matas personally.

[DuckIII]

Man, I'd probably rather have Matas personally.

Absolutely. Here’s the difference for me between Holland and Matas to illustrate how I rated them:

1. I hoped Holland would fall to us so we would have him as an option that I would have been fine taking depending on who else was available.

2. It never even occurred to me that Matas would get anywhere near our pick and so I ruled him out as being even possible without an aggressive trade up.

I.e., I had Matas well above Holland. My board had Matas around 3-5 depending on how I felt that day. Admittedly my board was a little different than most:

Castle (pretty sure I’m the only one who thinks that)
Sarr

Those were my immovable top 2, and in that order.

Then Matas, Shep and Risacher were next but let’s call it a tier. I kinda had them with similar “grades” and looked at it as more of a fit question depending who picked. And never thought they would be there at 11.

Then probably Clingan by himself.

Then the next group we can call “Pretty much any of the remaining top 15 guys except Cody Williams or Edey.”

[Chi town]

Man, I'd probably rather have Matas personally.

Absolutely. Here’s the difference for me between Holland and Matas to illustrate how I rated them:

1. I hoped Holland would fall to us so we would have him as an option that I would have been fine taking depending on who else was available.

2. It never even occurred to me that Matas would get anywhere near our pick and so I ruled him out as being even possible without an aggressive trade up.

I.e., I had Matas well above Holland. My board had Matas around 3-5 depending on how I felt that day. Admittedly my board was a little different than most:

Castle (pretty sure I’m the only one who thinks that)
Sarr

Those were my immovable top 2, and in that order.

Then Matas, Shep and Risacher were next but let’s call it a tier. I kinda had them with similar “grades” and looked at it as more of a fit question depending who picked. And never thought they would be there at 11.

Then probably Clingan by himself.

Then the next group we can call “Pretty much any of the remaining top 15 guys except Cody Williams or Edey.”

Thanks for sharing. Always interesting to hear how people think. I had Matas ahead of Holland too. Didn’t think he’d fall out of top 5.

[cruwinas]

2 years ago Matas looked superb. General consensus was that "If someone wants to build a perfect SF in the lab - that's Matas for you".
If 2024 draft was held a year ago, with the same players, I never saw Matas lower than #4 pick. Year ago everybody evaluated him between #1 and #3 (depending on the teams drafting).
This year I never even imagined him dropping bellow #8. #5 - #6 pick had highest percentages. Remember how "happy" Knicks fans were on drafting day when they got Porzingis? Right No, I don't expect Matas to change everyone's perception of him like Kristaps did.
What happened last season with the Ignite? Ignite sucked badly. Matas had problems with the ankle, missed couple months. Why teams perform poorly? Head coach, roster, woo-doo...Usually it's all of the above. Matas is not a guard, nor Jokic or Sabonis. He doesn't initiate offense. On a crappy team, not in a perfect physical shape himself, to play against other crappy teams - not a happy story. I pay zero attention and importance to his stats. I was just surprised a bit.
From Matas perspective it doesn't matter much that he was picked only as #11. He had bad last season for himself - that's the outcome. For Bulls? Bulls had no chance to get him if current draft was held a year ago. Bulls got a guy who can handle the ball. Very tall and very long for his SF position. Matas is very quick, has bbal in his blood. Good IQ. Matas will not crash and burn. At least, he will be a reliable rotational guy for many years who plays 20+ minutes efficiently. I can easily see Matas as an All-Star too. He has all necessary ingredients. The time now came for Matas to get serious and for fans to wait.

I think it was just the reality of a very talented HS kid, who was also about 5 inches taller than everybody to boot, even against good competition, was going against grown men.

There's usually only like 1 prospect or maybe two a year that wouldn't fair similar. I think you nailed how in the end it doesn't really matter as we start his NBA career. From here on out it's simply how he works and develops.

In my post, I wrote that Matas has bball in his blood. Just at that time I didn't know to what extent. Yesterday (I'm a curiou cat), I checked his bio and oh my Matas fraternal grandfather won 3 bronze medals with Kauno "Žalgiris" in USSR championships. Not an easy task considering it was before Arvydas Sabonis debuted in 1980-1981 year. I remember very well that year, but grandfather Buzelis played before my time. Matas maternal grandfather was a very solid PF, Jankauskas. Matas father was a solid pro though not on the grandfather's level. When he was done with his pro-play, he joined LTU NT as a masseur, physical trainer. Matas mother was one of the best handball players in her time in LTU.
Matas grew up in Chicagoland. First tried himself in gymnastics (that requires very good coordination), second stop was swimming (was really good at that). With his genealogy, it was only natural for him to growth up pretty tall In LTU we have basketball schools. Kids go to regular schools, talented bball players then go specialized bball schools where everything is made to help to develop talent. That's why most of the pro players from LTU have good shooting touch. Lithuanian Basketball Federation registered Matas to compete in FIBA competitions for LTU. That's a good thing too for Matas. To spend summers under different coaches with different mentality and approach to the game, play alongside the best LTU players against best international competition - lots and lots to gain from such experience
Probably Matas will begin next season with the Bulls with proper minutes and load management. Though I expect in the second half of the season coaching staff will be more and more willing to let him loose. Starting or from the bench - makes no difference.

Matas grew up in Chicagoland.

[Scottish Pippen]

He looks a lot like rookie Pau Gasol.

Pau came in as a 3 and had many of the strengths and weaknesses that we see in Matas now. Obviously a better prospect than Matas (longer, more skilled, proven success dominating in Europe, though he was already 21) but easy to see the path for him into an elite nba player, as well as the poor fit that G League ball was for him.

[sco]

He looks a lot like rookie Pau Gasol.

Pau came in as a 3 and had many of the strengths and weaknesses that we see in Matas now. Obviously a better prospect than Matas (longer, more skilled, proven success dominating in Europe, though he was already 21) but easy to see the path for him into an elite nba player, as well as the poor fit that G League ball was for him.

I get that he looks skilled and has PF size, but IMO, there's a big difference in what a 6'9 PF can do vs. what a 7'0 guy (lika Pau, Lauri, Giannis, Chet etc) can do, just due to the vertical separation they can generation due to their height. Matas (barring another growth spurt - which would be great) won't have that advantage. It's not that he will be undersized (although he will be against guys like those) but he won't be able to do things like those guys can. I think we should be thrilled if he can just become an average (e.g. top 14-16) starting PF who is an above average defender and 36-38% 3pt shooter.

[Jcool0]

He looks a lot like rookie Pau Gasol.

Pau came in as a 3 and had many of the strengths and weaknesses that we see in Matas now. Obviously a better prospect than Matas (longer, more skilled, proven success dominating in Europe, though he was already 21) but easy to see the path for him into an elite nba player, as well as the poor fit that G League ball was for him.

Pau was never a 3.

[Scottish Pippen]

He was, he split the 3 and 4 at FC Barcelona and he made it clear that was his preferred position.

The point anyway is their similarities as prospects.

[Scottish Pippen]

He looks a lot like rookie Pau Gasol.

Pau came in as a 3 and had many of the strengths and weaknesses that we see in Matas now. Obviously a better prospect than Matas (longer, more skilled, proven success dominating in Europe, though he was already 21) but easy to see the path for him into an elite nba player, as well as the poor fit that G League ball was for him.

I get that he looks skilled and has PF size, but IMO, there's a big difference in what a 6'9 PF can do vs. what a 7'0 guy (lika Pau, Lauri, Giannis, Chet etc) can do, just due to the vertical separation they can generation due to their height. Matas (barring another growth spurt - which would be great) won't have that advantage. It's not that he will be undersized (although he will be against guys like those) but he won't be able to do things like those guys can. I think we should be thrilled if he can just become an average (e.g. top 14-16) starting PF who is an above average defender and 36-38% 3pt shooter.

Yes agree, I mentioned Pau was of course the superior prospect due to his length, skillset and series of accomplishments before arriving to the league.

Matas is listed as 6’10 though, I thought that was NBA measurement?

[DuckIII]

He looks a lot like rookie Pau Gasol.

Pau came in as a 3 and had many of the strengths and weaknesses that we see in Matas now. Obviously a better prospect than Matas (longer, more skilled, proven success dominating in Europe, though he was already 21) but easy to see the path for him into an elite nba player, as well as the poor fit that G League ball was for him.

I get that he looks skilled and has PF size, but IMO, there's a big difference in what a 6'9 PF can do vs. what a 7'0 guy (lika Pau, Lauri, Giannis, Chet etc) can do, just due to the vertical separation they can generation due to their height. Matas (barring another growth spurt - which would be great) won't have that advantage. It's not that he will be undersized (although he will be against guys like those) but he won't be able to do things like those guys can. I think we should be thrilled if he can just become an average (e.g. top 14-16) starting PF who is an above average defender and 36-38% 3pt shooter.

Yes agree, I mentioned Pau was of course the superior prospect due to his length, skillset and series of accomplishments before arriving to the league.

Matas is listed as 6’10 though, I thought that was NBA measurement?

With shoes.

[League Circles]

Matas is the most exciting Bulls rookie talent since Derrick Rose IMO, no question about it. I think he can be a star player due to natural talent / feel for the game combined with almost ideal physical traits and a lot of swagger. I expect great things from him, though we probably won't see a lot of signs until year 2.

[coldfish]

Watch on YouTube

This has been posted before but should be watched again. Buzelis is going against grown men who were largely 2nd round picks here. Regardless, one thing I would note is his hops. Some of the dunks have his head near rim level.

[GoBlue72391]

Matas is the most exciting Bulls rookie talent since Derrick Rose IMO, no question about it. I think he can be a star player due to natural talent / feel for the game combined with almost ideal physical traits and a lot of swagger. I expect great things from him, though we probably won't see a lot of signs until year 2.

I love the Buzelis pick, but this is Lauri erasure.

[Jcool0]

He was, he split the 3 and 4 at FC Barcelona and he made it clear that was his preferred position.

The point anyway is their similarities as prospects.

He was 7'1" he was never a 3. In 2001 no one was playing a 7 footer anywhere but C maybe PF.

[Scottish Pippen]

He was, he split the 3 and 4 at FC Barcelona and he made it clear that was his preferred position.

The point anyway is their similarities as prospects.

He was 7'1" he was never a 3. In 2001 no one was playing a 7 footer anywhere but C maybe PF.

I don’t want to derail the thread but nah, he played 3 and 4, I saw him live several times, check out his ACB highlights and his team’s roster.

4 and 5 were Dueñas, Rentzias, Elson and Savic mainly. Pau played 3 and 4.

Btw guess who else was in that team? Arturas Karnisovas