Buzelis adjusts to new Bulls system

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis is adjusting to a different role in the team's offense during the 2026-27 season. Through the first seven games, he is averaging 13 points per game. The team has one win in that stretch. Buzelis is playing with a new system and new teammates. This includes standout rookie Caleb Wilson. In many half-court sets, Buzelis finds himself positioned in the corner.

The 6-foot-8 forward entered the season on an upward trend. In his second year, he became one of the team's best scorers. He combined elite shot-blocking with three-point shooting. Few players in the league possess that specific mix of skills. Buzelis said his first two seasons were difficult at the start. He noted that new players joining the team makes the adjustment harder.

"It was difficult. You know, new guys coming in … it makes it harder," Buzelis said. "That’s just God putting me in positions where there’s challenges all the time, and I can achieve anything I want. I worked extremely hard this summer. Sometimes you work hard and you think you’ll get the results. Right now, you got to really focus in on what you can control and what you can do out there."

His previous seasons support his patience. As a rookie, he was not a consistent starter before the All-Star break. In the final 27 games of that year, he averaged 13 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks. Last season, his scoring jumped by almost four points per game from the first half to the second. He also improved his rebounding and shot-blocking during that period.

The start of this third year has not followed that pattern. Buzelis had strong performances in losses to the Washington Wizards and the New York Knicks. On Monday night in Philadelphia, he scored four points and recorded five turnovers. He told reporters that the process is ongoing. He is figuring out when to attack and when to shoot. He said it is a matter of time before he gets it right.

Point guard Josh Giddey said the team is learning how to balance its offensive weapons. Last year, the team did not have players like Norman Powell and Caleb Wilson who can score 20 points at will. Giddey said Buzelis is still the same talented player fans saw last year. Giddey called it his responsibility to help Buzelis get back on track.

Head coach Tiago Splitter is managing the balance between the rookie star and the supporting cast. Splitter wants to give Wilson freedom while ensuring other players get their moments. Buzelis said he understands the team works better when he is playing well. He is not a me-first player. He said he just needs to get into a flow to get things going.

The Bulls locker room is not selling on the idea that Buzelis is losing his place. Buzelis is one of several players finding their way. The team will continue to work on balancing the attack in the coming games. Buzelis remains a key part of the frontcourt rotation.