Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis entered his third NBA season facing heightened expectations following an uneven second-year campaign, during which he averaged 16.3 points and 5.8 rebounds across 77 appearances. Outlets including rookie.co.kr reported that the 2024 first-round draft pick described his second season as a period lacking rhythm and functional structure, remarks that pointedly addressed the team’s prior operational methods under former head coach Billy Donovan.
Matas Buzelis Criticizes Previous Chicago Bulls Structure
Reflecting on the challenges of his sophomore campaign, Buzelis pointed to an absence of clear rotations and tactical definition during a 31-win season that left Chicago 12th in the Eastern Conference. Last year was really hard. There was no rhythm. You didn’t know who was going to play, and you didn’t know how we were going to play,
Buzelis told rookie.co.kr. He added that the team lacked a predictable framework, noting that players frequently entered games uncertain of their specific responsibilities or minute distributions.
The forward acknowledged that his individual numbers—including 2.5 assists and 1.5 blocks per game—mask the broader frustrations of a locker room mired in a multi-year playoff drought. Chicago has missed the postseason for four consecutive years, prompting an organizational reset aimed at establishing clearer on-court hierarchies.
New Coaching Staff and Roster Adjustments Under Tiago Splitter
The upcoming season brings a revamped structural approach as Chicago transitions under new head coach Tiago Splitter. Rookie.co.kr reported that the coaching staff change is designed to install explicit roles for each rotation player, addressing the systemic ambiguity Buzelis highlighted. Now there’s going to be more structure,
Buzelis said, emphasizing that every roster member will understand what to expect on a nightly basis. Everyone has a role, and you’ll know what you can expect every single night.
This tactical overhaul coincides with significant roster alterations. Buzelis joins a projected core that features Josh Giddey, Norman Powell, Nicolas Claxton, and Caleb Wilson. Management expects this group to shoulder primary responsibilities as the franchise attempts to climb out of the Eastern Conference lottery standings.
Balancing Personal Growth With Team Expectations
Despite the turbulence of his second year, Buzelis stressed that the adversity forced him to develop patience. He noted that meeting the demands of professional basketball required counsel from mentors.
Everything can’t just happen all at once. That wasn’t easy for me,
Buzelis stated, describing conversations with advisors who urged him to trust the developmental timeline. I talk to a lot of smart and wise people, and they tell me everything follows in time. I know this team has the ability to accomplish a lot. We know where we want to reach.
Unresolved Roster Questions for the Upcoming Season
While Splitter’s staff has emphasized structured rotations, questions remain regarding how quickly a newly configured core can forge on-court chemistry. The integration of acquisitions alongside developing talents like Buzelis and Giddey represents the primary logistical test for Chicago’s front office as training camp approaches.
Buzelis maintains that internal commitment remains high despite the difficulties of the rebuilding process. It takes a process, but all of us are working really hard to achieve our goals,
he said.
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