Presented by Nationwide Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich
LAS VEGAS — Matas Buzelis has high standards.
That’s clear after the Chicago Bulls’ 96-89 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in the both teams’ NBA Summer League season opener on Saturday at Cox Pavilion.
Buzelis played aggressively, making seven free throws in his first rotation and featuring a strong defensive line, scoring 15 points, grabbing seven rebounds and making two blocks in 29 minutes.
But Buzelis focused primarily on his 4-of-15 shooting, including 0-of-4 from the 3-point line, and on some close-out decisions and shot selection that could use some improvement.
“Honestly, I was really sloppy (Saturday),” the first-round pick said. “I can play a lot better.”
Billy Donovan III, who serves as head coach of the Bulls’ summer league team under the supervision of his proud father, acknowledged there is room for improvement but also praised Buzelis’ play.
“Good floor coverage. His versatility really stood out, his ability to switch from one to five and defend multiple positions. But honestly, I thought he played the right way,” Donovan III said. “I thought he took some rushed shots, which is normal for this environment. But he covers so much ground with one or two dribbles.”
Buzelis did indeed show that he could grab the ball and send it away, often with a left-handed dribble. His play impressed his NBA teammates who were sitting on the sidelines: Patrick Williams, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Chris Duarte and Dalen Terry.
“What can’t he do? He’s young. But he can shoot the ball, change directions. Can defend 1 through 5,” Williams said. “He’s a dog, he’s talking trash already. I love what I see.”
Donovan III focused less on results than on process, especially since this was summer league and his first real dress rehearsal for the Bulls. He said that as long as Buzelis makes quick decisions — drive, pass or shoot — the results will eventually come.
“My coaches said you have to be aggressive,” Buzelis said. “I also read the field at the same time.”
Buzelis gave his self-assessment in a matter-of-fact manner. When asked if he was disappointed with his performance, Buzelis refused.
“I’m not down,” he said. “We won. That’s all that matters. Go watch film. Simplify the game. Be aggressive. Read. Play defense. And try to win. Just be happy because we won. But of course I can do better.”
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