Matas Buzelis opened the season on a strong note for Billy Donovan and the Chicago Bulls. He delivered two games with more than 20 points in his first four outings, enough for NBA analyst Bill Simmons to project a major step forward in his second year.
Since then, Buzelis has continued to look like a rising young piece, starting every game for Chicago and raising his production across the board. He is averaging 13.8 points and 5.5 rebounds while knocking down 36.8 percent of his three pointers, all clear gains from his rookie campaign.
Bulls fans are hoping the 21-year-old grows into a long-term pillar for the franchise, but the past few weeks have highlighted a growing push-and-pull between his growth and the team’s need to win now. Donovan seems to be leaning in another direction since Buzelis logged only 21 minutes in the matchup with the New Orleans Pelicans.
After starting the first half of Chicago’s 130 – 143 defeat, Buzelis was pulled for the entire second half while Donovan shifted to Jalen Smith. Donovan later said the switch was driven by a need for stronger rebounding.
Is Billy Donovan stunting Matas Buzelis’ growth?
Nov 24, 2025; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Chicago Bulls Head Coach Billy Donovan looks on against the New Orleans Pelicans during the second half at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
“We need help there, and he’s gotta be able to find a way to help us a little more,” remarked the Bulls head coach via Joel Lorenzi on X (formerly Twitter).
However, the decision frustrated many Bulls fans who feel Donovan should keep Buzelis on the floor and invest in his growth rather than focus on short-term concerns.
Billy Donovan said he turned away from Buzelis to start 2H for rebounding: “We need help there, and he’s gotta be able to find a way to help us a little more.”
— Joel Lorenzi (@JoelXLorenzi) November 25, 2025
“Matas is SF. Get a legitimate center and power forward. It’s not Matas fault FO fails at their job!!” said one X user.
“His body language when Matas is on the floor wasn’t good last year. I can’t comment on this year because I HAVEN’T SEEN A GAME! Meanwhile if you’re over 28…” another user added noting a perceived dislike exhibited by Donovan towards Buzelis.
“I will continue to say, Billy Donovan cannot coach or develop lottery picks. He’s only good at 2nd round/undrafted picks, like a college coach. He ruins our best players confidence and development” chimed another user.
NBA: Golden State Warriors at Chicago Bulls Feb 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) reacts after making a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The Bulls sit at 9-8 and currently hold a play-in spot, but they aren’t operating like a team built to win right now. That makes Donovan’s approach even more confusing.
Chicago needs to give young players like Buzelis real opportunities so the franchise can build toward a stronger future instead of chasing small regular-season gains at the expense of long-term progress.
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