Everything changed when the Chicago Bulls lucked into the No. 4 pick in the 2026 NBA Draft and landed Caleb Wilson. The hype train surrounding the 19-year-old forward has — understandably — been out of control since.
But it’s Matas Buzelis’ development, not Wilson’s, that’s most important for the Bulls this season.
Buzelis has gotten lost in the shuffle since the draft, especially after Wilson showed out at summer league and has continued to flash a unique and potentially dominant profile.
But before he arrived in Chicago, it was Buzelis who was becoming the face of the franchise. It was Buzelis who showed those flashes of stardom. It was Buzelis who turned from explosive rookie to legitimate starter — the same trajectory the organization hopes to see Wilson take.
And it’s Buzelis who’s prepared to become the Bulls’ leader this season.
Caleb Wilson is important, but Matas Buzelis's growth is crucial right now
Buzelis won’t publicly fret about being pushed toward the back burner this past summer. He might prefer it that way. The Chicago native performs best with a chip on his shoulder; if he doesn’t have one, he’ll manufacture one.
While the NBA world was drooling over Wilson’s potential, he put his head down and went to work.
"For me, it’s been the weight room but also maintaining my speed and agility," Buzelis said of his summer via the Bulls X account. "Shooting off the dribble, shooting when they go under the screen, more ball handling, setting screens — that’s what I’ve been working on."
But with the regular season nearing, it’s time to remember just how important Lil Buzi Vert is to the Bulls’ future.
Buzelis is on track to battle for an All-Star spot this season
While Wilson was navigating his freshman campaign at North Carolina, Buzelis was averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 1.5 blocks across 77 starts in his second season in The League.
He was the only player not named Victor Wembanyama last year to hit 100 threes and record 100 blocks.
Those numbers were up from 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds as a rookie, when the former G League Ignite standout struggled to find a consistent role under Billy Donovan.
But those days are in the past. Sure, Wilson may be part of the future, but it isn't just his to own. Buzelis should have just as big a part to play, and he's ready for it right now.
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