The plan is to get Matas Buzelis playing time with the big-boy club this week.
Considering Monday started a gauntlet of four games in six nights, it would seem very doable.
Unless it’s not.
That’s why Bulls coach Billy Donovan did not rule out sending the rookie back down to the G League Windy City Bulls, who will open the season up Friday in Grand Rapids.
“If it gets to that point,” Donovan said of Buzelis going back down. “I’m trying to get him in there and get him experience, put him in situations where he can be successful. I’m not at a place with him where I’m like, ‘Listen, we’re just not going to play him.’ I don’t feel that way.”
Buzelis did come off the bench against Utah, but the real test will be in the back-to-backs on Wednesday, traveling to Dallas and then the quick turnaround a night later against Minnesota. Both Western Conference powerhouses, and both with frontlines that would challenge Buzelis.
Buzelis did go down for a scrimmage over the weekend to get some minutes, especially after getting his first DNP (Did Not Play) Coach’s Decision Friday in Brooklyn.
Donovan was asked about what would be more beneficial for Buzelis, and was still under the belief that getting minutes with the big team – as few as they have been (5.6 per game through the first five) – was still better because of the competitive level.
“I do think for him just getting out and playing, even though it’s been limited, I still think it’s valuable to him,” Donovan said. “The other thing about Matas is I think putting him out there with some veteran guys helps. I do think he’s gaining some experience while he’s playing. I think if it was a situation where he was getting DNP after DNP, game after game, it would probably make sense (to send him to the G League).
“The totality of his development I would say is certainly being with us and trying to get minutes, and then also utilizing the G League as well where he would go back and forth some. That’s going to happen.”
Tight fit
Bulls guard Zach LaVine did attempt to go through the Monday morning shootaround, but the tightness in his injured right adductor had other ideas.
That’s why he was a scratch before the game with the Jazz, missing his first contest of the season.
LaVine was leading the team in scoring this season with 22.7 points per game, also averaging 5.5 rebounds, while shooting 45.8% from three-point range. The hope was the injury was a speed bump and not a brick wall.
“He’s not out indefinitely,” Donovan said. “I think they wanted to make sure that it didn’t turn into something more significant, so I don’t think there’s a problem there, other than he has some significant tightness there. I think him running and sprinting is when he feels it.”
Growth chart
Guard Ayo Dosunmu agreed with Donovan that having a rough second year with the Bulls after a stellar rookie season was a blessing in disguise for the hometown kid.
“I had to have those tough conversations with myself,” Dosunmu admitted. “I’d be lying to you if I didn’t tell you I know ways to get better, ways to always get better. They invested in me and that’s a blessing, but at the same time I’m a competitor and want to continue to grow. That’s why I have that chip on my shoulder. It’s about continuing to help this team win.”