Chicago Bulls Executive Hints at Potential Future of Franchise

A Pivotal Piece?

A recent article by Joe Crowley of the Chicago Sun-Times explores the idea that Buzelis is a truly elite prospect who could become a transformational Swiss Army Knife for an emerging Bulls team. The article features a quote from Bulls executive Arturas Karnisovas, who confirmed the notion that the franchise sees Buzelis as a versatile, long-term piece.

“He has so much skill in his bag,” Karnisovas told Crowley. “Shooting threes, blocking shots, running the break, dunking the ball, he’s athletic, he can put it on the floor, create for others, so we’ve seen a lot of it.”

Crowley himself argued that Buzelis was the single most important player on the Chicago Bulls roster, especially given the question marks that surround guards Colby White and Josh Giddey.

"With contract uncertainty still swirling around Coby White and Josh Giddey, there’s no player on the roster more important than Buzelis," Crowley wrote. "And rightfully so — 6-10 forwards aren’t supposed to have the all-around skills Buzelis boasts. There’s no reason that by the 2026-27 season, Buzelis isn’t leading the Bulls in scoring, field-goal percentage and blocked shots..."

Buzelis' Come Up Story

Buzelis was born to Lithuanian immigrants in Chicago and raised in the city until he transferred to Brewster Academy in New Hampshire as a sophomore.

Buzelis finished his high school career at Bel Aire Academy in Kansas, earning a spot in the prestigious McDonald's All-American game in 2023. Buzelis passed on college in favor of a stint with the now-defunct G League Ignite, an experimental prospect-focused team in the G League that ceased operations after three seasons.