Strength and Growth: Matas Buzelis Eyes Physical Transformation for Sophomore Season

As the 2025-26 NBA regular season winds down, the Chicago Bulls are already looking toward the future of their young core. At the center of that conversation is Matas Buzelis, the 2024 first-round pick who has spent his rookie campaign adjusting to the speed and brutality of professional basketball. Even as the Lithuanian-American forward has shown flashes of brilliance, his focus is now shifting toward a critical component of his development: his physical frame.

Buzelis, who was selected 11th overall by the Bulls in the 2024 NBA draft, has been open about the challenges of competing against veteran NBA forwards. Despite his 6-foot-8 stature, the physical toll of an 82-game season is evident. For a player transitioning from the NBA G League Ignite to the highest level of competition, the gap in strength is often the steepest hill to climb. Buzelis is now prioritizing his Matas Buzelis offseason plans with a specific emphasis on adding lean muscle mass to better handle the physicality of the league.

The Physicality Gap: Weight and Durability

The necessity for a strength-focused offseason is reflected in the data. There is a notable discrepancy in Buzelis’ listed weight across official platforms, highlighting a player in a state of physical flux. While some records list him at 209 pounds, NBA.com lists the forward at 196 pounds. For a player tasked with defending and rebounding against the league’s elite power forwards, that weight difference is significant.

Adding muscle is not merely about strength in the post; it is about durability. The grind of the NBA schedule can be punishing for rookie bodies. This was underscored in early April 2026, when Buzelis faced a string of absences. The Bulls’ rookie was ruled out for consecutive games against the Washington Wizards (April 6 and 8) and the Phoenix Suns (April 5) due to illness. While these absences were medical, the overall wear and tear of a rookie season often makes players more susceptible to fatigue and health setbacks.

Note for readers: In NBA terminology, “putting on muscle” typically refers to hypertrophy training—increasing the size of muscle fibers—which helps players absorb contact and maintain their position on the court without sacrificing the agility needed for their role.

Analyzing the Rookie Campaign

Despite the physical hurdles, Buzelis has proven he belongs on the court. His statistical contributions throughout the season suggest a player with a high ceiling and an innate ability to impact the game on both ends. According to current league data, Buzelis is averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game.

A look at his recent performances in late March and early April 2026 shows a player capable of explosive scoring nights, though consistency remains the goal. On March 28, Buzelis put up a dominant performance against the Memphis Grizzlies, recording 29 points and 10 rebounds. He followed that with a solid effort against the Oklahoma City Thunder on March 27, contributing 15 points and 6 rebounds.

However, the volatility of a rookie season is also apparent. In a recent 136-96 loss to the New York Knicks on April 3, Buzelis managed 11 points and six rebounds in 23 minutes of play. These fluctuations are common for young players who are still learning how to balance their offensive aggression with the physical demands of defending NBA-level athletes.

Matas Buzelis: Recent Performance Snapshot (April 2026)

From Ignite to the United Center

Buzelis’ path to the Chicago Bulls was unconventional. Eschewing the traditional college route, he spent the 2023-24 season with the NBA G League Ignite, a developmental program designed to prepare elite prospects for the professional jump. During his time there, he earned accolades such as being named a McDonald’s All-American and participating in the Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit.

The G League provides a taste of professional basketball, but the jump to the NBA is a different beast entirely. In the G League, a player’s athleticism can often mask physical deficiencies. In the NBA, where every opponent is an elite athlete, those deficiencies become targets. By focusing on his physique this summer, Buzelis is attempting to eliminate a primary weakness that opposing coaches can exploit.

What This Means for the Bulls

For the Chicago Bulls, the growth of Buzelis is a priority. As a versatile forward who can play both the minor forward and power forward positions, his ability to defend multiple positions is key to the team’s tactical flexibility. A stronger Buzelis means a more reliable defender who can battle for rebounds and hold his own in the paint.

The Bulls are in a phase of transition, and the success of their 2024 draft class will determine how quickly the team can pivot toward a new era of competitiveness. Buzelis has already shown he can score; if he returns for his sophomore season with the strength to match his skill set, his ceiling rises significantly.

Key Takeaways for the 2026 Offseason

• Physical Focus: Priority on increasing muscle mass to better compete with NBA forwards.
• Weight Discrepancy: Aiming to solidify his frame, moving toward or beyond the 209-pound mark.
• Durability Goals: Reducing susceptibility to fatigue and health setbacks after a demanding rookie year.
• Statistical Foundation: Building upon a strong rookie baseline of 16.3 PPG and 5.8 RPG.

As Buzelis enters the weight room this summer, the goal is clear: transform from a promising rookie into a physical force. The skills are already there, but the strength will provide the platform for those skills to shine consistently.

The next major checkpoint for Buzelis will be the start of the Bulls’ official offseason training program. Fans and analysts will be watching closely for updates on his physical progress as the team prepares for the 2026-27 campaign.

Do you think adding muscle is the missing piece for Buzelis to become an All-Star candidate? Let us know in the comments below.