Matas Buzelis, the Chicago Bulls’ second-year forward, is no stranger to defying expectations. After sliding to the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft—despite projections of a top-5 selection—the former G League Ignite prospect is now setting his sights on one of the league’s most prestigious individual honors: the NBA’s Most Improved Player (MIP) award. With a bold mindset and a clear focus on both personal growth and team success, Buzelis is poised to make a significant leap in the 2025-2026 NBA season.
A Promising Rookie Campaign
Buzelis’ rookie season with the Bulls was a solid foundation for what could be a breakout sophomore year. Appearing in 80 games, he averaged 18.9 minutes per contest, contributing 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game. His shooting efficiency was notable, with a 45 percent field goal percentage and an impressive 36 percent from beyond the arc on 3.3 attempts per game. While these numbers earned him a seventh-place finish in Rookie of the Year voting, Buzelis believes he’s only scratched the surface of his potential.
“Individually, I want to win Most Improved Player,” Buzelis told Responsible Gaming recently, signaling his ambition to elevate his game to new heights. Currently, FanDuel Sportsbook lists him with the third-best odds for the MIP award at +1200, trailing only Bennedict Mathurin of the Indiana Pacers and Amen Thompson of the Houston Rockets. He’s alongside teammate Josh Giddey, who recently secured a significant contract extension, in the MIP conversation.
A Strong Start to Year Two
The 2025-2026 NBA season is only one game old, but Buzelis has already shown signs of a breakout. In Chicago’s season-opening victory over the Detroit Pistons, he logged 33 minutes, a significant increase from his rookie-year average. His performance was electric: 21 points on 58 percent shooting from the field, six rebounds, one assist, and three blocks. This early glimpse of an expanded role suggests the Bulls are ready to give Buzelis more opportunities to shine, which could propel him toward the MIP conversation.
However, as a second-year player, Buzelis faces a unique challenge. The MIP award often favors players with several seasons of experience who demonstrate dramatic improvement, whereas young players like Buzelis are expected to develop naturally. Still, a massive statistical leap could make his case undeniable. If he continues to capitalize on increased minutes and maintains his efficiency while boosting his production, Buzelis could force voters to take notice.
Team Ambitions Over Individual Glory
While Buzelis has his eyes on individual accolades, his primary focus remains on team success. “As a team, I want to win a championship—plain and simple,” he told Responsible Gaming. “You should be going for that every year. I don’t care what kind of team you have. You should be striving and having big dreams for every year that you’re in the NBA.”
This mindset is bold, especially for a Bulls team in the midst of a rebuild. After parting ways with several key players over the past two years, Chicago is widely viewed as one of the Eastern Conference’s rebuilding franchises. Last season, the Bulls finished 10th in the East with a 39-43 record, missing the playoffs. Yet, Buzelis remains undeterred, expressing confidence that the Bulls could “shock the NBA” this season. The NBA’s Play-In Tournament offers a glimmer of hope for teams like Chicago, providing a backdoor path to the postseason for dark-horse contenders.
The Road Ahead
For Buzelis to make a serious run at the Most Improved Player award, he’ll need to sustain the momentum from his strong season opener. Increased playing time, improved scoring output, and continued efficiency from the field and beyond the arc will be critical. Additionally, his defensive contributions—evidenced by the three blocks against Detroit—could set him apart as a two-way player, further strengthening his case.
The Bulls, meanwhile, will rely on Buzelis’ growth to help elevate the team. With a young core that includes Giddey and other emerging talents, Chicago has the potential to surprise skeptics, even if a championship run remains a long shot. The Play-In Tournament could be a realistic target, offering Buzelis and the Bulls a chance to make noise in the postseason.
A Star in the Making
Matas Buzelis’ journey from draft-night disappointment to MIP contender is a testament to his work ethic and ambition. At just 21 years old, he’s already shown flashes of brilliance, blending scoring versatility with defensive tenacity. If his early-season performance is any indication, Buzelis is on the cusp of an unprecedented leap—one that could not only earn him individual recognition but also help reshape the Bulls’ future.
As the 2025-2026 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Buzelis to see if he can deliver on his lofty goals. Whether he’s hoisting the Most Improved Player trophy or leading the Bulls to an unexpected postseason berth, one thing is clear: Matas Buzelis is ready to make his mark on the NBA.