Bulls' Matas Buzelis Vows to Bulk Up This Offseason

The second-year guard admits he's 'skinny as hell' and needs to get stronger to compete at the NBA level.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 4:13pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a basketball player's body broken down into overlapping planes of color and abstract shapes, conveying the importance of physical development in the sport.A cubist interpretation of a basketball player's physique, highlighting the need for strength and muscle development to compete at the highest level.Chicago Today

Chicago Bulls guard Matas Buzelis has been a consistent presence for the team this season, but he recognizes the need to get stronger and add muscle to his frame. Buzelis, who participated in the NBA Rising Stars Game during All-Star weekend, acknowledged that he's 'skinny as hell' and plans to focus on bulking up during the offseason. Head coach Billy Donovan agrees that Buzelis needs to get stronger, especially when it comes to fighting over screens and holding his own on the glass.

Why it matters

Buzelis has shown promise in his second NBA season, but his lack of strength has been a limiting factor. Improving his physique could help him become a more well-rounded and effective player, allowing him to better utilize his athleticism and skills. The Bulls are invested in Buzelis' development, and his commitment to getting stronger in the offseason is a positive sign for the team's future.

The details

Buzelis, who is averaging 16.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game, has been a fixture in the Bulls' starting rotation, playing an average of 29.3 minutes per game. Despite his slender frame, he believes he can compensate with 'a level of competitiveness' and 'a level of fight' on the court. However, Donovan acknowledges that Buzelis' lack of strength 'neutralizes his athleticism and neutralizes his skills' at times, and that adding 'good quality strength' will be crucial for his development.

  • Buzelis recently made his admission about his physique in an interview with The Chicago Tribune.

The players

Matas Buzelis

A second-year guard for the Chicago Bulls who participated in the NBA Rising Stars Game during All-Star weekend and is averaging 16.4 points and 5.8 rebounds per game this season.

Billy Donovan

The head coach of the Chicago Bulls, who agrees that Buzelis needs to get stronger, especially when it comes to fighting over screens and holding his own on the glass.

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What they’re saying

“'I mean, look at me. I'm skinny as hell. I definitely have to add strength. Your body's a temple, so you really want to take care of it.'”

— Matas Buzelis, Bulls Guard

“'He's got to get stronger. That's the biggest thing — fighting over screens, on the glass. Sometimes the strength part neutralizes his athleticism and neutralizes his skills. … For a young player, putting on good quality strength can make them a lot better. He needs that. I think you're seeing that. I'm glad that's getting exposed, because that's something we can address in the offseason.'”

— Billy Donovan, Bulls Head Coach

What’s next

Buzelis plans to focus on bulking up and adding strength during the offseason, which will be a key priority for the Bulls as they look to help the young guard reach his full potential.

The takeaway

Matas Buzelis' admission about his slender frame and commitment to getting stronger in the offseason highlights the importance of physical development for young NBA players. While Buzelis has shown promise, his lack of strength has been a limiting factor, and the Bulls are invested in helping him address this area of his game to unlock his full potential as a two-way player.