Matas Buzelis: ‘I feel like I work harder than anybody in this draft class’

Chicago Bulls’ rookie Matas Buzelis generates pleasure together with his versatility and excessive basketball IQ. At 6-foot-10, he combines dimension, ability, and athleticism, making him a helpful addition to the Bulls’ roster.

Buzelis comes from a wealthy basketball heritage. His grandfather, Arvydas Jankauskas, was a former participant and coach, and his different grandfather, Petras Buzelis, captained Zalgiris Kaunas, profitable six Lithuanian League titles. His grandmother, Elena Buzeliene, is one in all Lithuania’s biggest handball gamers, profitable two European Champions Cups. His mom, Kristina Jankauskaite, stood out in Lithuanian youth basketball, whereas his father, Aidas Buzelis, performed within the Lithuanian Basketball League and labored as a therapeutic massage therapist for the National Team.

In an interview with HoopsHype, on behalf of Call of Duty Black Ops 6, Buzelis mentioned his NBA journey, the pre-draft course of, his basketball idols, and his objectives with the Chicago Bulls.

(During the NBA Summer League in Vegas, Buzelis, rookies and vets participated within the Call of Duty Two-Minute Drill on the War Room suite. After two days, Bronny James gained the $10,000 prize).

Matas Buzelis: It’s superior. Just being round NBA guys, that’s what I at all times wished to be round after I was youthful. So now being within the NBA, I’m not going to let down my alternative to succeed.

MB: I imply, I hit extra pictures, however that’s identical to the least factor I’m fearful about. Like defensively being in the proper positions. I’d say additionally simply being a greater teammate after I’m on the bench. And I’d say discovering gamers higher with assists.

Jul 14, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) dribbles in entrance of Chicago Bulls ahead Matas Buzelis (14) in the course of the third quarter at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

MB: Well, you recognize, like cheer for the opposite guys which might be taking part in. I believe I did a good job, however I might be higher. And simply standing up for my teammates after they come out of the sport. I used to be actually drained, and once you’re drained, your mind sort of shuts down a bit bit. And typically I didn’t rise up and high-five my teammates, however that’s simply little issues within the sport.

MB: I believe that I can do the whole lot. Rebound, block pictures, rating the ball. I can go the ball. I really feel like I can do the whole lot on the court docket, actually.

MB: Yeah.

Better than Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr?

MB: Yeah.

Jul 14, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Daeqwon Plowden (29) defends towards a shot try by Chicago Bulls ahead Matas Buzelis (14) in the course of the first quarter at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

MB: Well, my dad at all times instructed me to be humble, however I really feel like I work more durable than anyone on this draft class, and that’s the place the arrogance comes from. I’m not a kind of guys that simply speak for no motive. I actually work exhausting on my sport, in order that’s why I’m assured in my skills.

MB: No, man. It was zero-zero. Wherever you get picked, one via 60, no matter, 58, it doesn’t matter. Everyone’s within the NBA, and also you’re going to must compete towards them. You’re going to must see them no matter the place you go. It’s only a pay distinction.

MB: That doesn’t matter to me. I’ll play basketball at no cost.

MB: It’s robust to tug folks out of Vegas to go see teenage guys play. That’s nothing to do with Ignite. Ignite did a tremendous job, and I’d do it 10 occasions over once more. That was the very best scenario that I may have put myself in. And it’s simply robust to get folks to look at teenage children play in Vegas.

MB: Yeah, positively. Some gamers in faculty gained’t even contact the G League court docket, you recognize, sadly. And I performed towards gamers who had been nearly all-stars. Kenneth Faried, Lance Stephenson, all these guys. And I received the NBA expertise.

MB: The manner he approached the sport, how he performs, after all, and that he needs to win the whole lot, not simply basketball.

MB: At the one, I’m going to go Stephen Curry. Two, I’m going to only put Anthony Edwards. Three, let’s go along with, man, on the three, I’m going to go along with…

MB: Nah, I’m not at that stage but. But on the three, there’s so many choices. This is hard. I’m going to go along with, let me go along with Jalen Brunson at my three. Nah, let me go along with Jalen Brunson at my two. Let me go along with, let me go along with, at three Anthony Edwards, after which at 4, let me go Kevin Durant. At 5, Nikola Jokic.

MB: Probably Bron, as a result of it’s robust to dunk on Bron, so in case you do it, you’re solidified.

MB: Well, fortunately I received invited to go and see a preview of Black Ops 6, and that’s why I’m right here.

MB: It means rather a lot as a result of it actually began off with me and my brother taking part in once we had been youthful, most likely once we had been 13, 14. And now attending to be part of the Black Ops household, Call of Duty household, means rather a lot. And I’m excited for this sport to return out.