Embracing a New Offensive Dimension: Buzelis's Quest for Aggression
Buzelis's Offseason Ambitions and Mentorship
Matas Buzelis of the Chicago Bulls is prioritizing the expansion of his offensive repertoire this offseason, specifically by adopting the attacking mindset of Portland Trail Blazers' star Deni Avdija. Buzelis intends to shift his focus from primarily shooting to developing a more potent driving game, and he has already initiated discussions with Avdija to potentially train together.
Insights from a Rising Star: Avdija's Influence
During a podcast appearance, Buzelis articulated his desire to collaborate with Avdija, stating his intention to learn how Avdija utilizes his physicality to drive to the basket. He highlighted his observation of Avdija's aggressive play in Las Vegas and confirmed plans for a joint workout. Buzelis also acknowledged other players he admires, such as Franz Wagner and Kevin Durant, but singled out Avdija as his primary mentor for the upcoming offseason.
Analyzing Buzelis's Evolving Game and Statistical Progression
Buzelis's comments underscore a critical area for improvement after his impressive second NBA season. As a former first-round draft pick, he demonstrated significant progress, averaging 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.5 blocks across 77 starts in the 2025-26 season. Despite achieving solid shooting percentages (46.3% from the field and 34.9% from beyond the arc), nearly half of his 12.5 field-goal attempts per game were three-pointers, averaging 6.4 attempts from deep.
The Blueprint for Power: Avdija's Transformation
Buzelis recognizes that enhancing his "downhill pressure" will make him a more versatile scorer. Avdija's journey from a complementary player in Washington to a dominant offensive force in Portland serves as a compelling model. Avdija's scoring output consistently climbed after his move, culminating in an All-Star season in 2025-26.
Avdija's All-Star Season and Relentless Attack
In his All-Star season, Avdija posted career highs of 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.7 assists in 66 games, shooting 46.2% from the field. Although his three-point percentage was 31.8%, he compensated with an relentless attack on the paint, leading to 9.2 free-throw attempts per game and an 80.2% conversion rate from the line.
The Aggressive Style That Inspires Buzelis
This aggressive playing style is precisely what captivated Buzelis. Avdija consistently leverages his 6-foot-9 frame to create offensive advantages, driving to the basket, drawing fouls, and converting opportunities through contact. His willingness to engage physically was instrumental in elevating his scoring average from 16.9 points in 2024-25 to over 24 points the subsequent season.
A Focused Offseason: Mentors and Development
While Buzelis holds considerable respect for Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic and Kevin Durant of the Houston Rockets, he has made it clear that Deni Avdija is currently his top choice for an offseason mentor. This focused approach indicates Buzelis's dedication to developing a more diversified and assertive offensive game.
