Expectations for Matas Buzelis—from both the Chicago Bulls and their fans—are lofty. The 21-year-old forward has just one year of NBA experience, and his rookie-year statistics didn’t exactly signal future All-NBA potential.
Buzelis averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game last season. He appeared in 80 games, making 31 starts, and logged an average of 18.9 minutes per contest. Yet, the former 11th overall pick didn’t emerge as a starter until late in the season; he didn’t even start his first game until February.
Still, not every MVP or All-NBA player dominated in their rookie season.