Report: Matas Buzelis has been studying film on Andrei Kirilenko

The Chicago Bulls selected Matas Buzelis with the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. He has impressed in the Las Vegas Summer League, particularly on the defensive end. K.C. Johnson revealed that the rookie has been studying film of former Utah Jazz star Andrei Kirilenko. The NBC Sports Chicago Bulls insider wrote:

Buzelis, who, at just 19, flashes an awareness beyond his years, doesn’t limit himself to the offensive end. He cited former Utah Jazz Andrei Kirilenko for his shotblocking ability and defensive prowess. It’s clear that becoming a two-way player is important for Buzelis. “My rookie year, I’m not going to have any plays ran for me,” he said on the podcast. “So I have to go play defense and be an energy guy and make open shots.”

In 26 games for the G League Ignite, Buzelis averaged an impressive 2.1 blocks in 32 minutes. “I already had instincts on defense. It was mainly watching film for me and seeing what position I have to be in and how far I have to be from the paint to go block a shot and how different guys finish in the paint,” he said. “I already had the instincts, length and athleticism.” [h/t NBC Sports Chicago]

Buzelis had another strong performance on Tuesday, shining defensively. He finished with 18 points, three rebounds, two steals and four blocks while shooting 7-18 from the field, 1-6 from three-point range and 3-4 from the free-throw line.

In three games in the Las Vegas Summer League, he has averaged 20.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 0.7 assists, 1.3 steals and 2.0 blocks per game while shooting 38.1% from the field, 27.8% from three-point range and 70.0% from the free-throw line.

Kirilenko was considered among the top two-way players of his generation. He was named to one All-Star Team and three All-Defensive Teams. Buzelis has plenty of work to do to reach those levels, however, he has shown flashes of his defensive potential.

Matas Buzelis reveals where he gets his confidence

Jul 14, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) dunks against Golden State Warriors center Roman Sorkin (41) during the first quarter at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

Matas Buzelis has displayed tremendous confidence despite struggling with his shot during the Las Vegas Summer League. The Chicago Bulls rookie revealed where his confidence comes from in comments shared by Hoops Hype, stating:

My dad always told me to be humble, but I feel like I work harder than anybody in this draft class, and that’s where the confidence comes from. I’m not one of those guys that just talk for no reason. I really work hard on my game so that’s why I’m confident in my abilities.

Buzelis will likely see plenty of minutes as a rookie as the Bulls appear committed to a rebuild. The team lost DeMar DeRozan in free agency while trading Alex Caruso to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

"My dad always told me to be humble, but I feel like I work harder than anybody in this draft class, and that’s where the confidence comes from. I’m not one of those guys that just talk for no reason."

— Matas Buzelis pic.twitter.com/MVMsh5KIwt

— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) July 16, 2024

Thank you for reading The Dunk Central. Please follow us on Twitter for the latest news and insights on your favorite teams and players. It’s due to your support that we can become one of the market’s fastest-growing NBA outlets!