Matas Buzelis Searching for Answers Amid Early-Season Struggles

Matas Buzelis knows he has work to do as this 2026-27 season gets underway.

The Chicago Bulls forward has endured a difficult start to the season, and the challenges are becoming increasingly apparent as opposing defenses make life more strenuous for the young talent. Following another frustrating performance against the Philadelphia 76ers, head coach Tiago Splitter made it clear that Buzelis needs to adjust his approach if he wants to become a more consistent contributor.

According to KC Johnson, Splitter’s message to Buzelis was straightforward:

“Tiago Splitter said Matas Buzelis needs to stop playing in a crowd. Buzelis had more TOs (5) than points (4) vs. 76ers.”

The numbers against Philadelphia illustrated the problem. Buzelis finished with just four points while committing five turnovers, struggling to find his rhythm offensively and making costly mistakes. Having more turnovers than points is not the kind of performance Buzelis or the Bulls will want to see, particularly as the team looks for greater consistency from their young players.

Splitter’s comments suggest that Buzelis needs to become more comfortable operating within the offense rather than forcing plays when defensive pressure closes in. Learning when to attack, when to move the ball and how to create space will be important parts of his development.

However, Buzelis isn’t shying away from the difficult stretch. He acknowledged that adjusting to new teammates and circumstances has made this season particularly challenging, but remains confident that he can work through it.

Buzelis was candid about the difficulties he has experienced at the beginning of seasons throughout his career, explaining that the transition to a different group of teammates has made the current campaign even more challenging.

“If you guys can recall, every one of my beginning of my seasons were tough. New guys coming in, this year it’s even harder. There are challenges all the time. But I can achieve anything I want. I worked extremely hard this summer. I promise you I’ll figure it out.”

His response shows that he understands the situation and isn’t allowing a difficult start to shake his confidence. Buzelis also pointed to the work he put in over the summer, suggesting he believes the improvements will eventually translate onto the court.

For the Bulls, Buzelis' development remains an important storyline. Buzelis has the physical tools, athleticism and offensive potential to become a significant part of the team’s future. But potential only goes so far if he cannot consistently make the right decisions under pressure.

The Bulls need to see progress, particularly when it comes to limiting turnovers and finding ways to impact games even when his shot isn’t falling.

The key for Buzelis now is responding to Splitter’s criticism. His confidence hasn’t disappeared, and he clearly believes in his ability to overcome this difficult stretch. The Bulls will be hoping that belief translates into better decision-making, improved offensive production and more consistent performances as the season progresses.