These three Matas plays caught my eye last night.

1) Movement shooting: Billy Donovan installed this play specifically to get Matas a 3 coming off a screen. He called for the team to run it after a stoppage in the 2nd quarter. This is something (Flex action) that we're definitely going to see during the regular season. Didn't really see Matas doing much of this last year, he was more of a standstill shooter

2) Grab-and-go finish over Gobert. Matas has a lot of potential to bring the ball up. He's really good in open space in these early pick-and-rolls. Again, something I think we'll see during the regular season

3) Attacking switches: Matas got a downhill drive opportunity within the flow of the team's offense, backed it up when he saw that he had the switch, and crossed over Joan Beringer for the tough finish.

Billy had Matas' role as simplified as possible last season. It's cool to see him expanding out opportunities (particularly handling the ball) during what has been a very successful preseason for him.

Three Matas plays from last night showing that he is thriving with opportunities to do more
byu/StephNoh inchicagobulls

23 comments

  1. I’ve never been this excited for a second year player ever. (Started watching in 2012 so I missed Rose, and yes even more than Lauri)

  2. I really tried to make myself disinterested in the bulls this year but Matas has my attention anyway, I guess I’m gonna have to watch some games after all. It’s nice to have a prospect that looks special again

  4. He’s clearly worked on his hesi this offseason and it’s going to pay scoring dividends immediately.

  6. I love that he’s getting the opportunity to have the ball on the perimeter and attack, becoming a featured player of the offense instead of a cutter/spacer, nicely done Billy.

  8. Very impressed with his smoothness around the basket. I honestly didn’t know he had good finishing skills, but he’s been banking shots in high off the glass easily like its nothing.

    His three point shot is still sometimes wayy off, but he’s has literally 0 hesitation. I like how he takes up space from the perimeter and is able to react to the defense.

  11. Love your work Steph. FWIW to others, Matas has been getting quite a bit of love from analysts and content creators. People are noticing how good this kid could be.

  14. Finished reading the post and then made a bet with myself that it was a Stephen Noh post. Pretty sure I’ve been reading your stuff since blogabull a long time ago.

    I was impressed myself with a few of these plays. I actually rewound that movement 3 shot a few times because at first I didn’t know who took that shot, and then I was shocked at how smooth he looked. Also looked at the finish over Gobert a few times, because if he can make that shot over Rudy then he can make it over anybody that’s not Wemby.

  15. Almost guaranteed we see multiple all-star appearances out of Matas, the question is if he has all-NBA potential. Exciting times.

  16. Omggggg the footwork is close to getting wherever he want on the floor. Him and Noa biggest issue will be pacing with such a tall frame just give them some time bulls family. Fastbreak offense already dangerous but once they learn to find their spots in the halfcourt watchoutttt

  17. When he gets the ball on the move, he’s in attack mode to the rim. If he develops a mid range, pull up jumper to compliment, he’s going to be hard to defend.

  20. ayyyeee what’s up noh! didn’t know you were on reddit. love your bluesky/twitter account.

  21. Bro the craziest thing about matas is his random bagwork lmao. You can see how he can actually handle it low and blow by bigs.

  22. Man he’s going to be so good! I’m a Pistons fan, but man do I love watching Matas play. I hope he becomes great.

  23. On top of him finishing over MObley and Jarrett Allen against the Cavs.

    Here we can see Matas finishing over Rudy Gobert and Joan Beringer

    Except for Beringer, the other three are considered elite rim protectors. With Beringer being touted as one of those who could develop into an elite rim protector. Like the other three in the list.

    Matas being able to finish over them is an elite feat already.

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