There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it: the Chicago Bulls must prioritize youth—namely Matas Buzelis, whom the Bulls selected with the 11th-overall pick in last June's draft. While the rest of the roster is relatively young, sans Nikola Vucevic, Buzelis is Chicago's most important player moving forward.
First and foremost, on a team littered with guards, Buzelis possesses the most unique combination of size and skill. The rookie is the same height as Vucevic, for crying out loud. There's an argument to be made for Josh Giddey, who epitomizes the big-guard archetype at 6-foot-8. But Buzelis is on another level athletically and actually meshes well with the 22-year-old Giddey, who's playing on an expiring contract.
Chicago has consistently used three or even four-guard lineups throughout the season. The Bulls' most-used lineup includes Zach LaVine, who, of course, is no longer a Bull. However, Chicago's second, third, and fourth most-used lineups include LaVine. These lineups also have one thing in common: they're made up of at least three guards. Vucevic is the sole big in all the Bulls' most common lineups, while Patrick Williams is typically featured as the lone wing.
The former fourth-overall pick is even miscast at power forward. Williams, at 6-foot-7, 215 pounds, is a true small forward. He's never averaged more than 4.6 rebounds or 1.0 blocks in any professional season. The Bulls' need for a natural power forward is evident, and Buzelis fills that void.
Billy Donovan must continue trotting out his worst, yet most intriguing lineup
Nevertheless, the 'Buzelis at the Four Experiment' hasn't exactly gone according to plan. The Bulls have been demolished when trotting out their most commonly used lineup, including Buzelis. The rookie, Vucevic, Giddey, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu, ranks in the 0th percentile in net rating.
The Bulls have been outscored by 47 minutes in 61 minutes whenever the aforementioned lineup hits the hardwood together. The fivesome's net rating is an abysmal 36.4. Of all five-man lineups to share the court for 45 minutes or more together, this Bulls lineup ranks dead last in net rating.
Despite the troublesome results, Head Coach Billy Donovan needs to continue trotting out Buzelis and Co. As it was mentioned at the beginning of the article, Buzelis's playing time is non-negotiable. The rookie is far too crucial to Chicago's future. However, there's also a need to play Vucevic, Giddey, White, and Dosunmu extensively.
Vooch is a likely trade candidate, as he's 34 years old and entering the last season of his contract. Giddey, as referenced above, is an impending free agent, and White is potentially a core piece moving forward. There's a looming decision to be made if he's worthy of an exorbitant extension—and the same can be said of Dosunmu.
Thus, this godforsaken lineup must continue to be trotted out. Even if it equates to losing games, it's in the players, Billy Donovan's, and the front office's best interest. Plus, as a cherry on top, the more losses, the better the draft pick.