Bulls rookie plays aggressive in debut, praised by teammates: 'He's a dog'

The Chicago Bulls' 2024 lottery pick is already showing he's fearless.

The Summer League Bulls won their first game in Las Vegas on Saturday behind two impressive double-doubles from second-year players Julian Phillips (17 points, 10 rebounds) and Adama Sanogo (17 points, 12 rebounds), as well as 15 points and 7 rebounds from rookie Matas Buzelis.

Chicago selected Buzelis with the No. 11 pick in the NBA draft less than a month ago, and Saturday marked the first time fans got to see Buzelis take the floor in a Bulls uniform.

He didn't disappoint.

Buzelis was ultra-aggressive from the opening tip, which immediately separated him from so many Summer League guys who play hesitant or take some time to adjust to the speed of the game before attacking.

Buzelis didn't force bad shots, but he took advantage of every available driving lane, pressuring the defense and earning seven free throw attempts in the game's first eight minutes.

Buzelis also got after it on the defensive end, using his length and natural off-ball instincts to swat two shots, one of which jumpstarted a fastbreak flush for Phillips on the other end.

Bulls forward Patrick Williams was impressed by what he saw from the rookie, as evidenced by Williams' comments on Buzelis to CHGO Sports's Will Gottlieb.

"What can't he do?" said Williams, per Gottlieb. "He's young, but I see he can do everything. Shoot the ball. Shot a middy. Changed directions. Guards 1-through-5. He's a dog. Talking trash already. Love what I'm seeing."

Buzelis was an efficient shooting night away from finishing with a truly standout stat line in his debut.

He was 7-11 from the line and 4-15 from the field, and if a few more of those good looks had fallen, Buzelis would have been a top talking point in the NBA heading into Sunday.

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