Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis dismissed concerns about the team intentionally losing to improve their draft lottery position, emphasizing his commitment to winning despite the franchise’s recent difficulties. After the Bulls fell 131-99 to the Charlotte Hornets, extending their losing streak to 10 games, Buzelis spoke candidly in the locker room, stressing his focus on competing every night.
I don’t really like that word,
Buzelis said when confronted with the idea of tanking.
People might think that, but I’m going out and trying to win every night. All these guys are, too.
The loss dropped Chicago’s record to 24-35, marking their longest series of consecutive defeats in seven years. Once a promising playoff contender in the Eastern Conference with a 24-25 record on January 31, the Bulls have sharply declined through February, falling out of serious postseason contention.
Trade Deadline Moves Signal a Team Rebuild
The speculation around tanking grew following significant roster changes at the trade deadline, as the Bulls moved key veterans in favor of younger talent and future assets. The front office traded Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Kevin Huerter, and others, effectively reshaping the team’s core and emphasizing development over immediate success.
This marked a clear shift for Chicago, which since 2019 has consistently finished between sixth and 11th in the Eastern Conference — good enough to avoid high draft picks, but not strong enough to contend seriously. Their highest draft selection since 2020 has been the No. 11 spot, when they picked Patrick Williams fourth overall.
With 23 games remaining in the season and out of the playoff race, the Bulls appear poised to secure a lottery position in the 2026 NBA Draft. Although this offers value to the organization, it does not align with the players’ desire to compete outright.
Buzelis Focused on Personal and Team Growth
Amid the turmoil, a positive development has been Buzelis’ improvement during his second NBA season. Selected No. 11 in the 2024 draft, he is showing noticeable progress on the court.
He is currently averaging 15.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, shooting 47.4 percent overall, 36.7 percent from three-point range, and 77.8 percent from the free-throw line. Since the All-Star break and the roster overhaul, his numbers have improved further to 17.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game, with an effective field goal percentage of 58.7 percent.
Taking on a larger role has accelerated his development and challenged his mindset as well.
I’m always going to wake up with a smile on my face,
Buzelis shared.
I try to build a short memory. As soon as I get out of the shower, it’s on to the next game.
His attitude reveals a competitor’s spirit in a locker room confronting hardship. While the franchise’s standings and transactions point toward rebuilding, Buzelis affirms the team’s enduring dedication to compete.
I’m going to be what the team needs me to be,
he said.
If that’s scoring, that’s what it’s going to be. We’ve got to come in every day ready to work.
Implications for the Bulls’ Future Outlook
The Bulls’ current path reflects a franchise recalibrating its timeline to build a more competitive team in the longer term. The focus on acquiring young talent and draft assets suggests a strategic reset after seasons of middling success. However, for players like Matas Buzelis, maintaining a winning mindset remains a priority regardless of the circumstances.
The development of Buzelis indicates potential foundational pieces for the Bulls, even as the team navigates a difficult stretch that risks further damaging their playoff aspirations. How Chicago balances short-term setbacks with long-term growth will be critical as the season progresses, and Buzelis’ commitment provides a hopeful sign amid uncertainty.
