Good advice from Domantas Sabonis to Matas Buzelis

Matas Buzelis had his little buzz before arriving in the NBA, with the G-League team Ignite last season, an encouraging Summer League but also in pre-season when he had a dunk on Giannis Antetokounmpo. Also through his basketball profile, the 20-year-old American-Lithuanian had every reason to appeal to the NBA and was also chosen in 11th position in the 2024 Draft by Chicago.

Three months to the day after his hammer blow on the “Greek Freak”, Matas Buzelis must however be satisfied with crumbs and fails to take off with the Bulls.

At this stage of the season, the rookie still seems to be at the stage of having to convince his coach to put him on the field. The reception in Sacramento on Sunday may have been an opportunity for him to receive a boost from Lithuanian international Domantas Sabonis. Beyond the common roots that the two share with Lithuania, Domantas Sabonis also had to prove himself in the NBA under the orders of Billy Donovan, current coach of the Bulls. It was in 2016/17 for Oklahoma City.

“He is very talented, he can do everything on the pitch. I know it's not easy for rookies in the NBA, especially under Coach Donovan. But he just has to keep working and wait for his chance.”, said Arvydas Sabonis' son after his team's victory at the United Center.

Pleasing Billy Donovan, an “old school” coach

Domantas Sabonis thus described a somewhat rigid Billy Donovan with his rookies, which would also help to explain the delicate debut of Matas Buzelis, author of 5 points in 13 minutes that evening. For the Kings pivot, the important thing is to ensure the fundamentals rather than being caught in the trap of wanting to do too much.

“It’s hard, you have to keep working and make sure you help the team. But what's more important is making the decisions that will help the team win. The coach doesn't care about showtime. He's an “old school” coach: you need to defend, get rebounds, help others. But once he gets his chance, he will play more and be able to show it in matches, which is what everyone expects.”

Clearly, the time has not come to give up for Matas Buzelis, especially since everything can change very quickly in the NBA. Domantas Sabonis is well placed to know, as the Kings bounced back with seven wins after hitting rock bottom, leading to the ouster of Mike Brown.

“In the NBA, everything can happen very quickly. We had a different coach two weeks ago, and trades would have been possible. Things could also change in Chicago too, and he could find himself playing 30 minutes. He just has to keep working because his chance could come at any time.”

How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def=defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; Pts = Points.