Matas Buzelis is finally starting to look like a player who could become the next superstar of the Chicago Bulls. Over his last five games, he is averaging more than 25 points per game to go along with 7.4 rebounds. What stands out even more is his aggressiveness, he’s attempting around 20 field goals per game during this stretch. That level of confidence is something fans have been waiting to see.

The big question, though, is whether this is a true sign of development or just late-season production from a young player on a team navigating lottery positioning. It’s a fair debate, but one worth diving deeper into.

My Hottest Take: Matas is beginning to arrive

I tend to lean optimistic when it comes to player development, but this recent stretch from Buzelis is hard to ignore. It’s not just the numbers, it’s the context behind them. Over these five games, he’s matched up against elite talent like Luka Dončić and Kawhi Leonard.

Dončić gave Buzelis a tough defensive test, putting up 50 points. But the very next night, Buzelis responded with a strong effort against Leonard. While Kawhi still finished with 28 points, he had to work for it, shooting just 8-for-22 from the field. That matters. For a 21-year-old to be tasked with guarding some of the best players in the world on a nightly basis, and not completely fold is a positive sign.

before having to guard Luka and Kawhi his breakout moment against Golden State. Buzelis exploded for a career-high 41 points on 16-of-28 shooting, leading the Bulls to an overtime comeback win. It wasn’t just a hot shooting night, it was controlled, confident offense. He followed that performance with scoring outputs of 22, 18, 29, and 22 points, showing consistency rather than a one-game spike.

What stands out most is how he’s using his size and length. He’s beginning to recognize mismatches and attack them with purpose. That’s the kind of growth that signals something real.

What you need to know: He showed similar growth last season

This isn’t the first time we’ve seen Buzelis trend upward late in the season. During his rookie year, he also showed flashes down the stretch. In the final 20 games, he averaged 13 points per game after limited playing time early on, finishing the season at 8.6 points per game overall. The difference this year is opportunity and what he’s doing with it.

With more consistent minutes due to roster construction, Buzelis is now averaging 16.2 points per game on the season, with that number jumping significantly during this recent stretch. Perhaps even more encouraging is his efficiency. Despite the increased volume, he’s still shooting 36% from three identical to last season.

That’s a key indicator of real development. Often, when young players take on a larger offensive role, their efficiency dips. That hasn’t happened here. Instead, Buzelis is maintaining his shooting percentages while increasing his usage a strong sign that he’s adjusting well to the demands of a bigger role.

Before you go: What makes Buzelis different?

At 6-foot-8, Buzelis possesses the size and versatility that teams covet in today’s NBA. He impacts both ends of the floor and continues to expand his skill set. One of the most unique stats tied to his game this season is that he’s one of only two players to record 100 made three-pointers and 100 blocks. The other player?Victor Wembanyama, a name already associated with generational talent.

That kind of company matters.

When you look at the greatest players in NBA history the ones constantly debated in top-five or top-ten conversations, they often share one key trait: size. Players 6-foot-6 and above have historically been able to withstand the physical demands of an 82-game season and still elevate their game in the playoffs. Buzelis fits that mold.

What’s even more exciting is how he’s beginning to understand the rhythm of the game. In a recent matchup against Toronto, he didn’t score in the first quarter. But by the start of the fourth, he had 19 points and was actively trying to bring the Bulls back into the game. That ability to adjust, stay engaged, and impact winning even after a slow start, is something you can’t teach.

There’s still plenty of room for growth, and that’s what makes this even more intriguing. Historically, a player’s third season is when we often see a significant leap. If this current stretch is any indication, Buzelis may be setting the foundation for exactly that.

The tools are there. The confidence is growing. And for the Chicago Bulls, that could mean they’re finally watching the early stages of something special.