Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis is evolving into a two-way star. With three blocks and five made 3-pointers in a March 16 win over the Memphis Grizzlies, the 21-year-old became just the second player to hit 100 threes and secure 100 blocks this season — alongside MVP candidate Victor Wembanyama.
The Bulls sure could use a franchise cornerstone, and Buzelis is the closest thing they have. Since Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu were sent elsewhere at the trade deadline, the Chicago native has taken on a larger role and, in the process, proven he can be that pillar.
In 67 games this season (all starts), Buzelis is averaging 16.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 blocks with shooting splits 47/36/79.
But those numbers, as impressive as they are, are not indicative of the player Buzelis is becoming. The way he's played since the trade deadline is a much clearer illustration of his star turn and why he's put himself in the same breath as Wembanyama.
Matas Buzelis just joined Victor Wembanyama in rare territory
Over the Bulls' last 10 games, Buzelis is averaging 23.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists and 1.6 blocks while canning 3.6 triples a night. He's 20th in the NBA in scoring average over that span. He's eighth in total threes made and tied for 11th in total blocks.
For reference, that puts him just behind Charlotte's Brandon Miller and Houston's Reed Sheppard in 3-pointers and tied with Pistons center Jalen Duren in swats.
It should come as no surprise, then, that Buzelis firmly inserted himself into Wemby territory. The former G League Ignite star has amassed 101 blocks and 150 3-pointers as of March 17. Wembanyama has 161 blocks and 105 triples.
It's statistical evidence that backs up what Bulls fans are witnessing in real time: Buzelis is morphing into a dominant two-way player.
The Bulls need Buzelis to become a franchise star
Chicago hasn't had a true organizational cornerstone since Derrick Rose. Maybe Buzelis won't be the youngest MVP in NBA history, but he's on track to become a perennial all-star, perhaps more.
The Bulls desperately need that. Josh Giddey continues to rack up triple-doubles, but he doesn't carry the upside Buzelis does. No one else on the roster screams star; in fact, no one even whispers it.
Chicago's front office can't seem to get out of its own way and join the league's finest tankers. Buzelis and Co. are 4-4 in their last eight games and in danger of playing their way out of the ninth spot in the lottery standings and into 10th.
That will only decrease their odds of landing a franchise-altering prospect in a loaded 2026 NBA Draft.
Buzelis may be the Bulls' only hope. But he's evolving into the star Chicago needs.