Matas Buzelis Predicted To Have A Successful Career With Chicago Bulls After Strong NBA Debut

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Nikola Vucevic has expressed strong support for his Chicago Bulls teammate, Matas Buzelis, predicting a bright future for him in the NBA. Buzelis was selected 11th overall by the Bulls in the 2024 NBA Draft and had an impressive debut season. The team finished ninth in the Eastern Conference, with Buzelis contributing significantly.

Buzelis, at just 20 years old, averaged 8.6 points per game during the regular season. He also recorded 3.5 rebounds and one assist over 80 games. His standout performance came in March when he scored a career-high 31 points against the Los Angeles Lakers, leading to a 146-115 victory.

In another remarkable game against the Dallas Mavericks, Buzelis scored 28 points, grabbed nine rebounds, and provided six assists. This achievement made him only the third rookie in Bulls history to reach such stats in a single game, joining legends Michael Jordan and Charles Oakley.

Vucevic is optimistic about Buzelis' potential to build on his successful first season. "Matas Buzelis is a very talented player," Vucevic told Stats Perform. "I think he's going to be very good for a long time in his career." Vucevic highlighted Buzelis' height, ball-handling skills, and defensive abilities as key strengths.

The Lithuanian star also achieved his first career double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds in a win over the Portland Trail Blazers. Vucevic believes that Buzelis' confidence is crucial for young players and appreciates his self-belief and understanding of his capabilities.

Essengue Joins the Bulls

Vucevic also commented on Noa Essengue's arrival at the Bulls as the 12th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft. Essengue previously played two seasons with Ratiopharm Ulm in Germany's Basketball Bundesliga (BBL), where he averaged 9.7 points per game with a .474 field goal percentage.

The young talent from France was the second-youngest player drafted this year. Chicago's selection of Essengue marked their second-ever pick at number 12 since Kevin Kunnert in 1973. Vucevic shared that he reached out to Essengue after his draft selection but has yet to meet him personally.

Anticipation for Essengue's Impact

"When he got drafted, I texted him and we talked a bit," Vucevic said about Essengue. Although they haven't met or seen each other play live yet, Vucevic is eager to see how Essengue adapts to the NBA environment. He praised Essengue's talent, height, athleticism, and basketball IQ.

Vucevic also noted that having another French-speaking player would be beneficial for both himself and Essengue as they adjust to life with the Bulls. He acknowledged that transitioning into professional basketball can be challenging for young players but remains hopeful about Essengue's future contributions.