The Chicago Bulls have a potential franchise-altering talent in Matas Buzelis. Much of the buzz surrounding the organization has been centered around their 21-year-old sophomore, and rightfully so. After being named to the NBA's All-Rookie Second Team last season, he has his eyes set on the league's Most Improved Player award next. While this might seem like a far-fetched goal for the youngster, it may not be out of reach after four games. What does NBA play-by-play announcer Mike Breen see in the kid, and can it propel him to stardom?
High Praise From A Basketball Legend
Breen is one of the most talented sports announcers and has been working at the highest level for over 30 years. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2021, he is cemented as one of basketball's most iconic voices and figures over the last several decades. He's seen more hoops and called more games than nearly anyone, and had some special words for Chicago's newcomer.
"Confidence. He thinks he can be that guy."
— Bulls on CHSN (@CHSN_Bulls) November 1, 2025
Mike Breen on why he thinks Matas Buzelis can be a star for the Bulls 👀 pic.twitter.com/phGruLCtW3
Tonight, Breen is on the call for the Bulls versus Knicks, where he'll see Buzelis's overwhelming potential firsthand.
Backing Up The Bold Claims
It's one thing for young players to make proclamations about their goals and aspirations in the league, and another thing entirely to do it between the lines. Although it's only been four games, Buzelis has had the skills to back the talk. Last game, he dropped 27 points, including four three-point makes, to spoil Zach LaVine's first trip back to the United Center as a visiting player. This season has been littered with highlight dunks, high-flying blocks, and electric athleticism. Maintaining consistency on both ends is where Buzelis can show the most improvement.
Year 2 Matas Buzelis 👀
— Chicago Bulls (@chicagobulls) October 30, 2025
27 points | 11-18 FG | 5 rebounds | 2 steals pic.twitter.com/rQ2YvaGNNR
Through four games, he's averaging 16.8 points, 4.8 boards, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 blocks per night. These are all significantly higher than his rookie campaign, including nearly doubling his points per outing. At this rate, the league's Most Improved Player honor is well in sight.
Taking Chicago To The Promised Land
The city of Chicago has longed for a new face of the franchise for over five years. They haven't made the playoffs or had an All-Star representative in four years, and are seeking their first winning season since 2021. Their success early on in 2025 has heavily depended on Buzelis's impact. Can he, Josh Giddey, and Nikola Vucevic continue to carry the load for the surprise product that the Bulls have been this season? Currently beating the Knicks in their first NBA Cup matchup, a 5-0 start would be a significant turnaround from seasons past.
MATAS BUZELIS pic.twitter.com/6SkeHz3HOa
— The Night MVP (@TheNightMVP) November 1, 2025
If they can finish the job against New York, they'd be undefeated through the first five games for the first time since 1996. Is this the beginning of a new era in Chicago, or will the hot start come to a screeching halt?
