Matas Buzelis NBA Draft Scouting Report: Pro Comparison, Updated Bulls Roster

Matas Buzelis' 2023-24 season didn't go fully according to plan, but he can now celebrate being a lottery pick in the 2024 NBA draft after being selected No. 11 overall by the Chicago Bulls.

Bleacher Report Draft Expert Jonathan Wasserman's Scouting Report

Player: Matas Buzelis

Position: SF

Size: 6'8", 209 lbs

Pro Comparison: Hedo Türkoğlu

Scouting Report: NBA teams covet Buzelis' archetype, being a 6'8" ball-handling wing with three-point range and bounce around the rim. Scouts were turned off at points this season due to inconsistent shooting and a passive approach, but from a natural talent and skill set perspective, there is too much to like about his positional physical advantages and scoring versatility.

Bulls Active Roster and 2024-25 Salary (Expiration Year)

Zach LaVine, SG: $43M (2027)

Lonzo Ball, PG: $21.4M (2025)

Nikola Vučević, C: $20M (2026)

Coby White, PG: $12M (2026)

Josh Giddey, PG: $8.4M (2025)

Ayo Dosunmu, PG: $7M (2026)

Jevon Carter, PG: $6.5M (2026)

Dalen Terry, SG: $3.5M (2026)

Onuralp Bitim, SG: $1.9M (2026)

Julian Phillips, SF: $1.9M (2026)

Andrew Funk, SG: Two-way (2025)

Free Agents

DeMar DeRozan, SF: UFA

Patrick Williams, SF: RFA

Andre Drummond, C: UFA

Torrey Craig, SF: Player option

Javonte Green, SG: UFA

Adama Sanogo, PF: RFA

Henri Drell, SF: RFA

The absence of a true standout talent has been a focus of the discourse around the 2024 class from the moment fans knew how the group was taking shape. Early into the process, Buzelis was among the candidates who staked a claim as the best player on the board.

Once the season tipped off, however, the 19-year-old's stock steadily began to dip. In 26 games, he averaged 14.3 points and 6.9 rebounds while shooting 44.5 percent overall and 27.3 percent from beyond the arc.

The flaws in NBA G League Ignite's roster were laid bare as they posted a 2-32 record. The pieces didn't fit together, and the absence of a true facilitator meant the young stars such as Buzelis and Ron Holland couldn't play to their strengths.

Buzelis still has the size and athleticism to thrive at the next level, and his shooting may actually improve straight out of the gate with a more structured offense and better supporting cast around him.