Ten years ago, Jimmy Butler was making his name for the Chicago Bulls.
Jimmy Butler has become one of the most highly regarded players in the NBA of his career thanks to his strong combination of talent and hard work.
Currently with the Golden State Warriors five years later with the Miami Heat, including two NBA Finals runs, his career also earned a stint with the Minnesota Timber Wolves and the Philadelphia 76ers.
However, with the Chicago Bulls, where Butler’s journey began, he was drafted in 2011 and won his first All-Star selection in 2015. He is currently used as an inspiration for the current emerging Bulls star.
The Chicago Bulls have improved significantly over the past few weeks, with Zach Labine’s exit unlocking an incredibly offensive and dynamic team.
Coby White and Josh Giddey have played a key role in the team’s turnaround, but there’s Matas Buzelis, who has even more exciting potential.
Buzelis was the Bulls’ first round draft pick in 2024, and at just 20 years old, he has earned valuable experience.
Speaking to the Chicago Bulls network, former player Kendall Gill says he believes Buzelis will leave this summer and will improve significantly.
He compared the situation to Jimmy Butler’s jump in Chicago. He averaged 13.1 points per game in 2013-14 to 20.0 PPG in the following season, earning his first win of six NBA All-Star selections.
Gill said: “He can make incredible jumps. All he needs is one summer. In the summer, he can change himself from a regular player to an All-American or All-Pro, but he has to be totally devoted.
“We’re back to Jimmy Butler. When Jimmy Butler got off and told all his friends to get rid of their phones, Jimmy was locked up in the gym and returned to the All-Stars. I think Matas Buselis could do the same thing.
“He wants to get better. I can’t wait to see what he will look like next year.”
Gill already states that he believes Buselis can become the Bulls’ own Cooper Flag.
Matas Buzelis has shown significant improvements in recent weeks as he continues to settle in life in the NBA.
During his first season, Buselis averaged 8.1 points per game in 17.1 minutes per game.
Since the All-Star break, his playing time has increased to 26.4 minutes per game, with points continuing to 12.8 ppg during this span.
The time was on the side of Buzelis as Butler was drafted in 2011 and took it to jump from the 2014-15 season. However, the youngsters appear in a hurry, and the surge in production during his second season can be very easy.