There’s no doubt about it—Matas Buzelis is an ascending star. Through eight games, the 21-year-old forward is averaging 15.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.0 steals, 1.0 blocks, and 2.0 three-pointers per game, while shooting an efficient 48.9 percent from the field, 41.0 percent from deep, and 84.2 percent from the free-throw line.
Now in his second season, the Chicago Bulls have been noticeably better with Buzelis on the floor. After posting a solid plus-0.5 on/off differential as a rookie, he’s up to plus-6.6 this year, meaning Chicago is nearly seven points per 100 possessions better when the 6-foot-10 wing is on the court, ranking in the 63rd percentile league-wide.