The Chicago Bulls' rising star did not hesitate to name the player he most wants to train with this offseason.
The Chicago Bulls are expected to field one of the youngest teams in the NBA this season with 21-year-old forward Matas Buzelis leading the way.
Buzelis finished seventh in the NBA's 2024-25 Rookie of the Year race and nearly doubled his scoring average from 8.6 points per game that season to 16.3 points per game in 2025-26.
Now on his way to becoming a full-fledged star, Buzelis is far from satisfied.
The former G Leaguer and five-star prospect out of Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas has his sights set on bigger goals in year three, and he believes he knows exactly who can help him in his pursuit.
Apr 26, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija (8) looks to pass the ball during the first half against San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) during game four of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Buzelis Wants to Train With Blazers Star
Buzelis has plans to work with Portland Trail Blazers star Deni Avdija, a hard-driving small forward who has improved his scoring average all six years in the National Basketball Association.
The Bulls star revealed his pick on the 'Ball in the Family' Podcast.
"If you could spend the offseason training with any player, who would it be?" Buzelis was asked.
"To be honest, what I like, who I really want to work with is Deni Avdija," Buzelis said as sounds of intrigue rose up from the podcast's panel of guests.
"I've been talking with him, it's just, I feel like I was shooting too many threes," Buzelis said.
"Like I need to get to the rim more, I want to know how he lowers his shoulder, how he attacks."
Workout Imminent, Buzelis Says
Buzelis said he saw Avdija in Las Vegas where the NBA's Summer League was recently held and has plans to work out with the Trail Blazers star this weekend.
He named two other talented NBA players he would also like to work out with to gain insight into how to improve his game.
"Franz Wagner, probably him," Buzelis added.
"KD (Kevin Durant), of course, that's who everybody needs to work out with," Buzelis concluded.
Buzelis' comments drew mixed reactions from fans with one commenter saying that the Bulls star should focus on adding weight and tightening up his handles.
Another was intrigued.
"Buzelis and Avdija would be an interesting pairing," the fan said.
"Both are versatile forwards who can handle the ball, create play, and impact the game in multiple ways.
"Matas clearly sees something he can learn (from Avdija)."
