Chicago Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis acknowledged that his slow start to the NBA season follows a familiar pattern in his basketball career. The 19-year-old forward, selected 11th overall in the 2024 draft, told reporters that early struggles have been a recurring theme before he finds his rhythm.
Buzelis, who played for the NBA G League Ignite last season, has averaged limited minutes through the first weeks of the 2026-27 campaign. The Lithuanian-born prospect said he remains confident that his production will increase as he adjusts to the professional game's speed and physicality.
"It's happened at every level — high school, G League, now here," Buzelis said after practice Wednesday. "I start slow, learn the game, then pick it up. I trust the process."
The 6-foot-10 wing showed flashes during summer league and preseason, but has yet to crack the rotation consistently. Bulls coaches have emphasized patience with the teenager's development timeline.
