Athletic Bulls player at risk of being dethroned from starting position during the 2025-26 preseason competition.
The Chicago Bulls, currently in the midst of a rebuild, are looking to the future with high hopes for their latest draft pick, Matas Buzelis. The 20-year-old Lithuanian was selected 11th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, and the Bulls organization sees him as having high potential.
Following the departures of Zach LaVine and DeMar DeRozan, the Bulls lack a true No. 1 elite scorer. Buzelis is expected to continue to grow as a passer and aggressively drive the lane, potentially filling this void.
Ayo Dosunmu, a four-year veteran with the Bulls, has also been a consistent presence. Last season, Dosunmu scored 12.3 points per game (PPG), while Isaac Okoro, a new addition to the team, managed 6.1 PPG.
Patrick Williams, who started in Buzelis' current roster spot last season, has been a team player for five seasons with the Bulls. Known for his contributions on the defensive end, Williams' scoring remains at a stagnant ceiling.
Nikola Vucevic, entering his sixth season with the Bulls and 17th year in the NBA, provides a steady presence in the paint. The Bulls' starting point guard, Josh Giddey, recently signed a four-year, $100 million extension, further indicating the team's commitment to rebuilding.
Buzelis, standing at 6-foot-10, has the ability to shoot the ball. He averages an additional 0.9 blocks per game, showcasing his defensive prowess. Dosunmu, on the other hand, is the better defender and has proven himself to coach Billy Donovan on the defensive end of the floor.
Last season, the Bulls finished ninth in the Eastern Conference with a 39-43 record and lost during their play-in tournament appearance against the Miami Heat. With the addition of Buzelis and the continued development of Dosunmu, the Bulls may be poised for a stronger showing in the upcoming season.
As Buzelis continues to grow into his adult body, Bulls fans and the organization alike are eager to see how he will contribute to the team's future success.
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