A Western Conference scout recently evaluated Matas Buzelis, the Bulls’ No. 11 selection in the draft. The scout noted that Buzelis has a long way to go in terms of physical development, as he is currently weak and lacks core balance and strength. Despite flashing athleticism with eye-catching plays such as driving to the rim and dunking, Buzelis struggles with his consistency in shooting and turning the ball over in pressured situations. The scout believes that it will take a couple of years for Buzelis to determine if he can be a consistent performer in the NBA due to his current physical limitations.
The scout also mentioned concerns about Buzelis’ defense, questioning whether his weaknesses in that area stem from his physical weakness or lack of effort. While acknowledging Buzelis’ length and athleticism, the scout believes that he struggles when faced with physical opponents and needs to improve his overall strength to become more effective defensively. The scout sees Buzelis as a two-year project in terms of getting his body right and developing his skills, suggesting that playing on a bad team where he can receive playing time and experience may benefit his growth and development.
Reflecting on Buzelis’ performance in AAU games, the scout initially viewed him as a promising player. However, when Buzelis faced more physically gifted opponents in adult leagues, his weaknesses became more apparent. The scout noted that Buzelis appeared good in AAU settings but struggled when matched up against tougher competition, indicating that he may need time to adjust to the NBA level of play. Overall, the scout believes that Buzelis has potential but needs to focus on improving his physicality, shooting consistency, and defensive skills to succeed in the NBA.
Looking ahead, the scout sees Buzelis as a project player who will require time and patience to reach his full potential. With the right development and coaching, Buzelis could become a valuable asset for a team willing to invest in his growth and allow him the opportunity to develop his skills. The scout emphasizes the importance of giving Buzelis playing time to gain experience and confidence on the court, suggesting that he has the potential to thrive in the right environment. While Buzelis may face challenges early in his NBA career due to his current weaknesses, the scout believes that with dedication and hard work, he could eventually become a consistent performer at the professional level.
