Much of the Chicago Bulls' long-term future hinges on Matas Buzelis' development.
The No. 11 overall pick from a year ago showed flashes in his rookie campaign, especially over the back half of the season. But the Bulls are in desperate need of a star, and Buzelis is one of the few players on Chicago's roster who has the potential to be one.
How Buzelis performs over the next two seasons could determine whether his career trajectory is that of a future All-Star or a capable role-player. During Monday's Media Day, the 20-year-old forward said he'd spent the summer bulking up, working on his physicality and absorbing advice from his experienced teammates and coaches. He also set the stage for a big leap in Year 2.
"I want to win Most Improved Player this year," Buzelis said. "That's what I'm striving for, but this is a team sport. This is everything about the team. The individual stuff will come once you win. I'm worried about winning."
Buzelis' 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and nearly one block per game last season landed him on the NBA's All-Rookie Second Team. His counting stats nearly doubled after the All-Star break, and he'll need another significant improvement in order to win the award that he's set his sights on. Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels, the 2024-25 Most Improved Player, increased his scoring average by 8.3, rebounding by 2.0, assisting by 1.7 and stealing by 1.6 units per game, respectively.
A similar jump from Buzelis would give him a stat line of 16.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. Buzelis' goals also extend to the defensive side, where he expects himself to become one of the best in the league.
"I've been telling the coaching staff, I want to be coached as an All-Defensive guy," Buzelis said. "I want to be held accountable. It doesn't matter if it's being yelled at in front of everyone and solitude in the video room. It doesn't matter to me. I want to be coached and held to that standard."
According to Cleaning The Glass, the Bulls allowed 2.3 points per 100 possessions fewer when Buzelis was on the floor in 2024-25. The rookie also posted a 2.3% block rate, placing him in the 97th percentile of all NBA players.
Heading into his second year in the league, Buzelis' 2025-26 season is likely the most critical of any Chicago player. He has set some high expectations for himself, but the Bulls' coaching staff and players seem committed to turning the hometown kid into the star they need.
Read More Chicago Bulls Coverage
MORE: 'Building While Competing is the Goal,' Arturas Karnisovas Says of 2025-26 Bulls
MORE: Media Day Notes: Bulls Want to Build a More Physical Identity This Season
MORE: Chicago Bulls' Josh Giddey Talks New Contract, Long-Term Future
MORE: Coby White Nursing Calf Strain, Limited for Chicago Bulls in Preseason
MORE: What's the Biggest Storyline Heading into Bulls Media Day?