Chicago Bulls select Matas Buzelis 11th overall in 2024 NBA Draft

In this episode of the Bulls Talk Podcast, K.C. Johnson and Tony Gill dive into the Bulls' latest draft pick, Matas Buzelis. They discuss if this marks the beginning of a youth movement by GM Artūras Karnišovas (0:30), break down Buzelis’ strengths and weaknesses (4:30) and explore why he was still available at the 11th pick (7:20). The duo also reacts to Karnišovas' comments on the Alex Caruso for Josh Giddey trade and his pursuit of Giddey over draft picks (20:26). Additionally, they analyze the Bulls' shift in strategy regarding DeMar DeRozan, now seen as an option rather than a priority (25:00). Finally, K.C. and Tony provide injury updates on Patrick Williams, Zach LaVine, and whether Lonzo Ball will be ready for training camp (30:00). Don't miss this episode packed with insights and updates!
#2024NBADraft #MatasBuzelis #AlexCaruso #ZachLaVine #LonzoBall
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[@emiliothepoet]

The more I see of him the more I like this kid. He’s got handle, range, plays with ton of aggression unlike PW. I believe he’s going to be a good player. He got a ton of talent and ability early on.

[@the80sguy80]

I like the pick, best of luck to him. GO Bulls!!! 🏀🐂🏀

[@Klutch_Undercover]

I got to see Matas square off against Cooper Flagg at an Invitational in LaPorte, IN Season before last. I had never heard of Matas before that game and was primarily excited to see Flagg ball out as he had all of the hype coming into the Invitational. What I saw blew my mind. Matas was clearly the best player on the court during that game. I wrote his name down and familiarized myself with him over the next two seasons. He's the real deal. Cooper was a year younger than him and has developed since they played but what stuck in my head was the fact that all of the tools were there for him to continue to grow. I'm thoroughly convinced that Matas will not only be a solid player but I believe he will be a superstar if he works to maximize his potential.

[@mobileeyesmarketing808]

Andrei Kirilenko with better handles and a potentially better shot is a comp that I haven't heard anyone mention. They are about the same size and Matas might even be a better athlete.

[@TerrySilverhand]

I immediately thought of AK47

[@rumpy8395]

Avery Johnson dropped the comp when analysing the pick the other day too

[@Not-so-cool-name]

Giddey to Cody, lob to Matas - Bulls are BACK!

[@darkstark1949]

lol what does "back" mean ?? win 39 games, squeak into the 8th seed and get swept in the first round? This team is dogwater and will continue to be until Rein$dorf sells the team. There's a reason no free agent ever wants to sign here. Trash loser organization that lucked into Michael Jordan, Bulls are a joke.

[@Dabearshhdbdb]

It seemed like AK didn’t want everyone to think he picked Matas because he’s Lithuanian. He kept mentioning he’s from Chicago.

[@ecobean3440]

I like the draft pick. I like Buzelis being a trash talker. As long as he backs it up on the court he's just the kind of teammate the Bulls need.

[@IllaNoizeMusic]

Billy better play Matas. If he doesn’t, Bulls fans will riot.

[@shadowzz1270]

Arturas Karnišovas said they will play him lol dont worry

[@sensei5147]

Play him.

[@ghostcon]

Another long rebuild on the way....BUILD AROUND COBY!

[@Not-so-cool-name]

This is a team, not an individual.

[@aturner3246]

As long as players are expected to come in the league and create their own shot, not play an organized half court set, watch the point guard dribble the length of the floor and force up a shot while not looking at their teammates, not seeking any offensive boards, jacking up 3-pointers from the locker room, celebrating after a dunk and your team is 30 points down with 50 seconds to go, he has an excellent chance to be great!!!

[@jailbreak852]

Where is this organizational shift? I'm skeptical about that.

[@chrishayes4166]

Ditto. The AC/Giddy trade was more of the same, IMO, as they could've opted for a longview approach (ala Ainge/Presti aka far better bball minds) with draft picks and cap space. Instead I see no shifts yet that we won't be fighting for the 9th seed so we can give the Spurs the 11th pick next year.

[@johnbrennan4449]

If the Bulls don't plan on re-signing free agents DeRozan, PWill and/or Drummond, then they need to trade each one for @ least a 2nd-rounder, instead of simply letting them walk for nothing. I realize that they can match any offer sheet for restricted free agent PWill, but they should also consider sign & trades for both unrestricted free agents DeRozan & Drummond.

[@frankdobs]

@@chrishayes4166Jerry wont let his teams tank.

[@NobodyAskedMeToDoThis]

He has to keep Pat's value under control....

[@timgrisham9051]

Grab and go got Gidey in trouble when he was OKC

[@robertcuratolo5339]

Another change of direction...... And on and on we go.

[@NobodyAskedMeToDoThis]

Its funny how the guys that we want to move away from are clear and ready to play and the ones we want to retain are "progressing"....

[@mark11967AD]

KC is an old time bag man for Jerry Reinsdorf. Please move on to something else. Bulls need to sell the team similar to the Bears. Stodgy old ownership. That said.. I think this kid has a lot of potential. The talent, the attitude, and the athleticism are all there. It’s just matter of how prolific a scorer he is wired to be.

[@Charles-ot2ez]

Who????

[@NikoStark1]

So Artūras wasted 3+ years for nothing! To start over??? Smh

[@mayblank9186]

Lauri 2.0

[@ChiGuy1837]

Gotta add at least 10lbs of 💪

[@javelldunn3379]

Play him instead

[@blah426]

Until they solve the Lonzo issue, and remove Zach from roster, it same ole same ole. #HireGarPax

[@johnbrennan4449]

Lonzo likely has no trade value, so I am okay gambling that he can regain full health, before possibly flipping him @ the trade deadline. Vucevic is also a candidate to be flipped @ the trade deadline next February. I am in favor of trading LaVine right now for a 2nd-rounder this year, with the 2nd round starting within the next hour, or a future 2nd-rounder. I would even be okay with trading LaVine to the Nets for PF (should no longer be considered a PG) Ben Simmons + future draft capital (Nets have no picks this year).

[@langstondah7350]

Should've traded up to get the Center from UCONN.... SMDH FBA/B1

[@HDRAus]

I thought that but he’s so slow and can’t shoot. Glad we didn’t get him