Buzelis Admits Early Struggles as Bulls Fall
Chicago's Matas Buzelis says he is still adjusting after a difficult start to the season under new coach Tiago Splitter.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Basketball
The Chicago Bulls lost to the Philadelphia 76ers 126-107 on Monday, dropping to 1-6 on the season. Matas Buzelis, in his third NBA season, publicly admitted his early-season adjustment has been difficult.
Why it matters
Buzelis's struggles come as the Bulls search for footing under a new coaching staff and a reshaped roster. His comments highlight the challenge of adapting to a different role within the offense.
Buzelis is averaging 13.0 points and 4.3 rebounds on 40% shooting, down from 14.9 points per game through his first seven starts last season. He managed 4 points and 3 rebounds in Monday's 126-107 loss to Philadelphia.
The players
Matas Buzelis
Matas Buzelis is a Chicago Bulls forward entering his third NBA season, who was previously a focal point of the offense under former coach Billy Donovan.
Tiago Splitter
Tiago Splitter is the Chicago Bulls' current head coach, whose new system has reshaped roles and shot distribution on the roster.
The details
Buzelis said he has to share the ball with players like Caleb Wilson under the new system, after previously serving as a focal point of the offense under coach Billy Donovan. Buzelis said he will figure it out as the team works through its early struggles.
Timeline
Nov. 2, 2026: Bulls lost to the 76ers 126-107, with Buzelis scoring 4 points.
2025-26 season: Buzelis averaged 14.9 points per game through his first seven starts.
2024-25 season: Buzelis averaged 2.9 points per game in his first seven games as a bench player.
Season Trajectory
Buzelis has climbed from a 2.9-point average as a bench player in 2024-25 to a starting role, yet his scoring has dipped from the 14.9 points he produced through his first seven starts last season. The Bulls' 1-6 start means his adjustment is playing out against a team that badly needs production from its young core.
Buzelis's shooting and shot distribution will shape how he is used in fantasy lineups and roster decisions in the coming weeks. Fans tracking the Bulls can watch whether his production rebounds as Splitter's system settles.
The takeaway
Early-season adjustments under a new coach often take time, and Buzelis's scoring trend will be a clear signal of whether the Bulls' system is working for their young players. Tracking his shot volume and efficiency over the next several games offers a useful measure of progress.
Further reading
For more on the team's season, see Chicago Basketball coverage.
