Clear goal for Bulls season: Help Buzelis get better

Basketball might be the ultimate team game, but this is a season where individuals mean more for the Bulls.

There is a path for this franchise to excel at some point in the future, and it involves second-year forward Matas Buzelis reaching his considerable ceiling.

Josh Giddey is another important piece for the future. He’s heading into his fifth NBA season, though, so his goal is more about returning to the numbers he posted at the end of last season, after Zach LaVine was traded away.

Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu could join the group, but both are heading into the final years of their contracts, so their future with the Bulls is less certain. White (right calf strain) won’t be in uniform when the Bulls open the season Wednesday against the Detroit Pistons at the United Center.

During preseason, Buzelis looked like he’s up for the challenge. He’s added 10 pounds of muscle and played with confidence.

“I’ve been working all summer, so I know I’m going to trust my skills once I get out on the court,” Buzelis said Tuesday at the United Center.

Even while his role grew slowly last season, it wasn’t difficult to grasp Buzelis’ potential. The West suburban Willowbrook native has a complete package of skills, along with impressive athleticism at 6-foot-10.

He’s got a long way to go as a player, but a good role model for Buzelis is (injured) Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, who has very similar size, skills and athleticism.

It’s not like the other Bulls players don’t matter, but they’re all replaceable. Most everyone outside of Buzelis and Giddey will likely be available for trade before the deadline. Star power wins in the NBA and the Bulls may have gotten a huge break when Buzelis dropped to the No. 11 draft pick in 2024.

Coach Billy Donovan talked about the task facing the coaching staff as a new season begins.

“I do think it’s unrealistic if I have the expectation that (Buzelis) is now going to become this star right away,” Donovan said. “Now, do I think that he could get to that? Absolutely. Because he’s got the work ethic, he’s got the intelligence, and he’s got the ability.

“But I do think he’s got to go through these experiences of being a two-way player. Like, he’s got to know what it’s like to guard Giannis (Antetokoumpo). He’s got to know what it’s like to guard (Evan) Mobley. There’s going to be forwards he’s lined up against he didn’t have to deal with last year. So that's going to be a process.”

So how do the Bulls approach this situation, where the future of the franchise is essentially tied to two players’ improvement?

Donovan has made it clear he wants the Bulls to play at a fast pace, which makes sense. While White is sidelined, Buzelis and Giddey should be the two primary scorers and ballhandlers. Defense will be a challenge, since the Bulls don’t have much in the way of rim protection.

Beyond that, if the Bulls need outside shooters to help clear the lane for Giddey and Buzelis to attack the basket, then give veteran guard Jevon Carter minutes if he continues to be the team’s best shooter. Or Patrick Williams if he has the hot hand.

Here’s a season outlook: If the Bulls surprise people and end up making the playoffs, great. If they falter and finish deep in the lottery, that’s fine too, because this roster needs more talent.

Whatever pushes Buzelis up the ladder of success is the best game plan this year.