The Chicago Bulls finally have a new coach. Tiago Splitter turned some heads with his outstanding job as Chauncey Billups' interim replacement with the Portland Trail Blazers, so it was only right that he got a chance to coach a team of his own.
Against all odds, and in the midst of a coaching scandal, Splitter coached a young team to the playoffs. He's young and a former player, and he has emphasized communication and player development in Portland.
Notably, that's just what the Bulls need right now, and it looks like he already has a plan for Matas Buzelis. When asked about the Bulls' former first-round pick, the Brazilian big man gushed about his all-around game and ceiling:
Tiago Splitter can help Matas Buzelis unleash another layer of his game
“I’ve been studying him more and more, getting to know him,” Splitter said. “We’re going to work every day hard to get him to be the best player he can be. I think nobody knows yet what his ceiling is. He’s going to show slowly the player that he’s going to be, and we’re not going to stop working. He’s the complete package. You got to work everything and see on the day to day where he can effect better. We see him as a very complete basketball player.”
Last season, Buzelis averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 2.2 three-pointers, and 1.5 blocks per game on 29.2 minutes a night and 46.3/34.9/78.6 shooting splits. He also had a 41-point explosion in an overtime win over the Golden State Warriors.
He emerged as the team's best rim protector, was a sturdy and physical rebounder, and showcased his freakish athleticism on every drive. With Splitter, he might have the ball in his hands more often, taking the ball up the court like Deni Avdija in Portland.
Avdija is coming off his first All-Star season, and Splitter played an instrumental role in his growth. He averaged 24.2 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.7 dimes per game, and given his similar height, body type, and basketball IQ, it wouldn't be surprising to see Buzelis flirt with similar numbers next season.
The Bulls will add two first-round picks to the mix, plus Noa Essengue, who missed most of his rookie campaign with a season-ending injury. There will be plenty of mouths to feed in the Windy City, and Splitter will have to figure out the best way to keep everyone involved and in a rhythm.
That said, Buzelis should have a green light to take as many shots and create as many others as he can handle. As things stand now, he's the team's best hope at a franchise player, and while that can change with Cameron Boozer, Caleb Wilson or Darryn Peterson, they must do whatever they can to prioritize his development.
It's been a while since the Bulls have been in a position like this. And even though it might be a couple of years before they're ready to compete at the highest level, the future finally looks bright at United Center.
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