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Chicago’s rebuild hinges on several young players finding consistent ways to impact games. One of the most watched is 21-year-old forward Matas Buzelis, who found himself on the bench late in a recent win. That move from coach Billy Donovan sparked questions about what the rookie must do to cement a larger role.
Donovan’s demand: physicality and focus on what you control
Donovan made it clear the benching was less about scoring and more about effort on the defensive details. He expects players to take ownership of the small, repeatable actions that swing games. In Donovan’s view, Buzelis needs to show consistent effort in specific, tangible ways.
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- Boxing out and bodying up on the glass.
- Using length and size to deter shots near the rim.
- Being the low man and providing team rim protection.
- Putting his body into plays rather than drifting away.
Those are the “controllables” Donovan referenced. They are simple to name, but demanding when required every night.
Immediate response: impact despite offensive struggles
Buzelis answered on the court in the Bulls’ next game, though his jump shot didn’t fall often. He went 4-of-15 from the field, yet made a defensive statement that aligned with Donovan’s message.
- Tied a career-high with four blocks.
- Grabbed six rebounds and added a steal.
- Displayed active hands and timely rotations on defense.
Even with a quiet offensive night, his defensive activity showed progress toward the coach’s expectations.
How Buzelis learns: coachable instincts and self-reflection
Donovan praised Buzelis for being teachable and honest about his own game. The forward’s willingness to accept feedback lets coaches point to specific things he must fix. Rather than deflect, Buzelis reportedly reflects and returns focused on improvement.
Traits Donovan values
- Receives instruction without resistance.
- Identifies his own mistakes quickly.
- Implements adjustments in practice and games.
That mindset matters. Young players who internalize feedback move faster from potential to reliable contributors.
Where Buzelis stands statistically and what the numbers suggest
Through the first half of his second season, Buzelis is producing efficiently and showing defensive growth. His season averages point to a player with upside on both ends.
- Points: 14.8 per game
- Rebounds: 5.2 per game
- Assists: 1.7 per game
- Blocks: 1.4 per game
- Shooting splits: .477/.343/.774 across 41 games
Those figures back the idea that Buzelis can contribute offensively while still refining his defensive identity.
Practical steps for nightly consistency
Moving forward, integration of simple habits will define his role. Donovan’s emphasis on repeatable actions frames a short checklist Buzelis can use each game.
- Prioritize box-outs on every missed shot.
- Make defensive rotations with purpose and urgency.
- Accept and apply coaching notes immediately.
- Show physicality without compromising mobility.
Daily habit-building could be the difference between a promising rookie and a dependable starter for Chicago.
