Tiago Splitter must fix clear Matas Buzelis mistake to get Bulls back on track

Matas Buzelis recently made waves when he stated that the Chicago Bulls discouraged him from attempting midrange jump shots. He stated, however, that he believes new Bulls head coach Tiago Splitter will create more versatility in his role and execution.

If Splitter is going to maximize Buzelis' impact and potential, and therefore get the Bulls back on track, then he needs to let the midrange game be a part of the up-and-comer's development.

Midrange jump shooting has become one of the most divisive topics in the modern game. Despite the litany of MVPs, Finals MVPs, and NBA champions who have mastered the technique, the mathematical elements of a long two versus a short three have created significant pushback.

For those who haven't seen it, Buzelis appeared on the Cousins Podcast with Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady and spoke about how he feels shooting more midrange jumpers can give him a psychological edge.

"I feel like if you're a basketball player, if you can do that, you can do that. That's your game. It's something that you can get to honor the big man for him to step up, maybe you attack. That all matters to me. Even shooting one a game, matters so much because I can get to the rim, I can go dunk the ball. If they step up a little bit, I'm blowing past them. I just have to shoot one. Even if I make or miss it, psychologically, it's a setup."

Everyone knows the math at this stage of the midrange jump shot debate, but Buzelis' quote about the psychological edge and how it can hold defenders accountable is pivotal to consider.

Bulls should let Matas Buzelis shoot middies if they want him to evolve

Midrange shooting is more of a situational skill than something that teams build their offense around in this day and age. In saying that, like any other kind of skill, it requires refinement in order to be polished enough to come into play when said situations arise.

No matter how determined teams are to prioritize a three or a shot in the paint, those situations will arise when teams cater their entire defense to taking away the three and stuffing the paint with bodies.

Suppose the Bulls were in a tie game or trailing by one. A three simply wouldn't be necessary to win. In that scenario, the math argument thus leans in favor of the midrange jumper, as there may be a higher percentage chance of making that shot than burying a contested three or shooting over the trees in the paint.

That makes it a necessary evil to sacrifice statistical knowledge for preparation from time to time and let those who will be trusted to score late in close encounters refine their technique within actual games.

Even beyond the late-game situations, Buzelis raises a perfectly valid point. If he doesn't take midrange jumpers, big men have no reason to step out to defend him in space. As such, they can simply sit back and wait to meet him at the rim.

The fact that rim protectors so often lose that luxury in the postseason, when great midrange shooters punish them for giving them space, epitomizes the logic behind Buzelis' statement.

Matas Buzelis understands value of midrange jumpers as set-ups

Buzelis may very well become that player for the Bulls as his career unfolds. He's already one of their best scorers, and at 21 years of age, has ample room to grow from where he is now to an even more prolific scoring role.

That's an exhilarating thought considering Buzelis averaged 16.3 points per game and 20.0 points per 36 minutes on .463/.349/.786 shooting as a second-year player in 2025-26.

Furthermore, Buzelis' game is already built on long jump shots and his ability to get down hill. Refining a skill that he can utilize when his drives are stifled would not only enable him to execute late in close battles, but adapt when the situation calls for it.

If the goal is to help Buzelis become the most complete player he can be, then adding this essential skill to his arsenal should be a top priority—especially when he already sees the value of it.

It's also worth noting that 11 of the top 12 players in 15-to-19 foot jumpers made per game last season made the playoffs. It's further proof that it's not only a valuable skill, but something that good teams benefit from having at their disposal.

A midrange jump shot alone won't help Buzelis become a star, but with a solid foundation already in place, giving him the freedom to shoot an essential shot that helps him psychologically is a pivotal change for Splitter to make.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow