The Bulls' third-year forward is working on getting stronger ahead of the fall NBA season.
The Chicago Bulls' front line is expected to improve this season with first round pick Caleb Wilson adding his considerable talents to the mix along with newcomer Nic Claxton and returnee Matas Buzelis.
Buzelis has worked with NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki this offseason in pursuit of better shooting, but there's one area of his game that will be honed off the court: strength.
The former G-Leaguer came into the NBA at just under 6-foot-9 and just under 200 pounds, a slender build for an NBA forward by most accounts.
Buzelis has been hard at work building his body this offseason, and is starting to showcase his weight room feats on social media which has caused quite the stir.
Jul 24, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls player Matas Buzelis warms up before throwing out a ceremonial pitch before the game between the Chicago White Sox and the Houston Astros at Rate Field. Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images Buzelis Shares NFL Inspired Weight Room Feat
Buzelis chose to skip the 2024 NBA Draft Combine's bench press drill, which challenges players to see how many times they can lift 185 pounds.
At his height, the lift is more difficult than a person of average height.
On Monday, Buzelis went after a bigger goal, psyching himself up in preparation of bench pressing 225 pounds, the gold standard by which all NFL players are measured at the pro football's league's annual spring combine.
Supporters watched as Buzelis let out a primal yell before perching himself under the bar and knocking out his rep.
"He had three reps in him," one fan said in response.
"I thought he was about to bang out 10 of em," another said.
"Benching his body weight," another added.
Gains Will Serve Buzelis Well in 2026-27
Buzelis took between 45-47% of his shots in the paint last season and could get more close range attempts as the Bulls look to convert Claxton and Wilson shot blocks into fast-break opportunities.
Wilson is also expected to draw plenty of attention both inside and beyond the arc which could free up the Bulls' third year man Buzelis to operate more in the paint this season.
Finishing against a rugged group of Eastern Conference big men ranging from Karl-Anthony Towns to Jalen Duren won't be easy for Buzelis, who needs help to thrive down low this season.
Adding muscle and strength is the next evolution for the Bulls forward as he seeks to continue his rapid improvement this season.
Now 21 years old, Buzelis will be 22 by the time the Bulls' opener tips off on Oct. 21 at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto against the Raptors.
Buzelis made a massive leap from year one to year two, nearly doubling his scoring average.
Year three might not show on the stat sheet in quite the same way, but it will almost certainly show in his physical body as the Bulls forward continues to mature and blossom into the type of player who can help lead Chicago back to the NBA Playoffs.
