Billy Donovan has long been the big brain behind the Chicago Bulls’ development through the years. But just like every walk of life, nothing promises anything to the talented head coach.
The same is true for the Bulls, as the franchise is making major changes to its team management. However, now that the team’s future is uncertain, Matas Buzelis has made clear that he wants Donovan to stay.
Following recent front office changes, questions have emerged about Donovan’s future with the franchise. But Buzelis didn’t hesitate to publicly back his head coach, revealing he reached out to Donovan personally during the chaos.
“I told him, ‘I hope you don’t leave. I’m riding with you forever. You’re a cornerstone for my career,” Buzelis said.
Despite major decisions hanging by a thread, the timing of that message speaks volumes. Chicago is in the middle of a brutal stretch, riding a double-digit losing streak while navigating a roster overhaul that has stripped away veteran leadership.
For Buzelis, the instability has only reinforced the importance of Donovan’s presence. The second-year forward has stepped into a larger role during the rebuild, and his frustration has become visible.
Despite the losses, he has remained defiant, rejecting any notion of tanking and insisting the group is still competing every night.
Behind the scenes, Donovan has continued to invest in Buzelis’ development. The two recently spent nearly two hours breaking down his offensive approach, focusing on shot creation and midrange growth, adjustments that quickly translated into a career-high performance.
Is Matas Buzelis Officially Done For This Season?
Matas Buzelis’ season may have ended abruptly, even if the team has not formally declared it.
The Bulls list the forward as doubtful for the regular-season finale after he suffered a badly sprained ankle during the fourth quarter of Friday’s loss to the Orlando Magic. While there’s no official confirmation yet, the timing and severity of the injury strongly suggest Buzelis is unlikely to return this season.
Matas Buzelis (Image Credit: Imagn Images)
It’s an unfortunate way to close what has otherwise been a significant developmental year for the 21-year-old. Buzelis nearly doubled his scoring output, jumping from 8.6 to 16.3 points per game, while also emerging as a legitimate rim protector.