Summer League Report: Matas Buzelis

NAME: Matas Buzelis

TEAM: Chicago Bulls (Summer League)

HEIGHT: 6-10.25

WEIGHT: 209

AGE: 19

WINGSPAN: N/A

POSITION: F

STRENGTHS:

Buzelis plays with energy and toughness. He thrives sizing opponents up in the mid-range, being

able to create his own close shot with good ball handling. He can finish inside the paint with

fluid post work and great length. Finishes strong around the rim when he can get there. Great

hustle; he hustles back on defense, closing out and contesting ball handlers with good active

hands. Thrives as a bigger wing, an ideal PF/SF player. Has the ability to be a secondary or

tertiary ball handler. Makes the right passes. Strong attacker who has a tendency to be a lob

threat. Patient ball handler in the mid range.

BODY/ATHLETICISM:

The best thing about Buzelis’s build is his wingspan, using his length best to contest shots, strip

defenders and finish around defenders in the paint. He has the potential to build muscle mass to

better utilize his size physically when boxing out and posting up. Nimble and quick for someone

at 6’10.”

WEAKNESSES:

First step could use some work, as well as boxing out; where he would likely play time at the

forward positions, he seems too accustomed to ball watching, leaving opportunities for opposing

teams to get offensive rebounds and kick out for open shots. Lateral quickness for someone of

his size is just okay. Averaged just 27.3% from three for the G League Ignite, leaving much room

for growth for floor spacing. The same goes for his free throw percentage (67.9%). Although his

ball handling isn’t bad, he settles too much for jump shots when he can’t get around his defender.

He doesn’t put his shoulder down and post up very much, especially an issue if he isn’t expected

to reliably space the floor.

SHOOTING:

Shooting ability leaves much to be desired (44.5 FG percentage). Not a reliable three-point

shooter (27.43% in G-League), or mid-range shooter for that matter and needs to develop a

consistent free throw shot (67.9% in G-League). Prioritizes finding ways to score points inside

the painted area. However, his jump shot mechanics are not bad and does have much potential to

be a catch-and-shoot floor spacer. Strong finisher around the rim.

DEFENSE/REBOUNDING:

Great post defender for his size. Averaged 2.1 blocks per game in G-league as well as 0.9 steals.

Great active hands on ball and brings intensity and effort, able to strip handlers and intercept

passing lanes. Help-defensive instincts aren’t bad, knows when to slide over to help on-ball from

help-side defense. Willing defender, both on ball and in help defense. Can guard the ball at the

POA. Does get caught ball watching for defensive rebounds, preparing to run down court for a

fast break before a teammate secures the rebound. Not the strongest at boxing out. Not much

seen for navigating screens. Rebounds well when he actively fights for them. With that being

said, would like to see him utilize his size more to prevent second chances. Appears as though he

hustles for offensive rebounds more than defensive ones. Ultimately, a great on and off-ball

defender, but leaves much to be desired with defensive rebounding.