Bulls’ Matas Buzelis brings winning mentality to summer league originally appeared in NBC Sports Chicago
Presented by National Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich
O Chicago buffaloes NBA Summer League open game in Las Vegas on Saturday against the Milwaukee Bucks.
First round pick Matas Buzelis’ goals are simple.
“I want to win,” the rookie said in a recent appearance on the Bulls Talk Podcast.
Given that this is a summer league where play can be uneven and players are trying to make a good first impression, what are Buzelis’ personal goals?
“I’m just trying to win,” he repeated.
That goal will certainly be expanded when the Bulls begin regular season play in October. So what does Buzelis hope to accomplish?
“Trying to win,” he said.
Notice a theme here?
“Of course (I want) to improve as a player. But I think the main thing is wanting to win championships,” said Buzelis. “That’s me.”
Saturday’s game offers the first look at Buzelis in a Bulls uniform. And while there are other stories – Billy Donovan III serving as head coach, Julian Phillips returning from injury – Buzelis is the main actor.
That’s why Buzelis said he’s been picking the brains of anyone and everyone he’s encountered in the Bulls organization since management picked him 11th overall in the NBA Draft. That’s why his competitive edge came out when asked about his trash-talking reputation.
“When I’m on the court, I want to kill you,” Buzelis said.
Buzelis grew up in the Bulls era led by Derrick Rose, not the one fueled by Michael Jordan. But that quote wouldn’t sound inappropriate coming from Jordan’s mouth.
Now, of course, no one expects Buzelis to become Jordan, who has a statue in the atrium of the United Center. But becoming the competitive, two-way force for the next iteration of the Bulls roster would be enough.
“Honestly, it’s been like a tornado,” Buzelis said of the period from the NBA Draft to now. “But I’m ready for it.
“I know what player I am. I work extremely hard. I don’t think anyone in the draft works harder than me. Right now, it’s 0-0. It doesn’t matter where you were chosen. You can go out and play against (the other newbies).
But remember: Buzelis is not focused on the individual game. He wants to win.
“This franchise has six (championships). I want to make seven, eight, nine,” he said. “This is what I do.”
To listen to Buzelis’ full interview on the Bulls Talk Podcast, click the link below.
