Chicago Bulls’ Matas Bozlis offers candid self-analysis after debut – NBC Sports Chicago

Submitted by National Insurance Agent Jeff Vukovich

LAS VEGAS — Matas Bozlis has high standards.

That much was clear after the Chicago Bulls beat the Milwaukee Bucks 96-89 in the opening game of the NBA Summer League for both teams on Saturday at Cox Pavilion.

Bozlis played with a solid performance that included seven free throw attempts in his opening period and rim-protecting efforts on the defensive end, and he managed to stuff the score box with 15 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 29 minutes.

But Bozlis focused mostly on his 4-of-15 shooting, including 0-of-4 from three-point range, and some decisions on crucial attacks and shot selection that left room for improvement.

“Honestly, I was too slack (on Saturday),” said the first-round pick. “I can play a lot better.”

While acknowledging there is room for improvement, Billy Donovan III, who serves as head coach of the Bulls’ summer league team with his proud father watching, praised Bozlis’ performance.

“He was a good starter. His versatility really stood out, his ability to switch positions and defend multiple positions. But really, I thought he played the right way,” Donovan III said. “I thought he hit some quick shots, which is normal in this environment. But once he gets one or two dribbles, he covers a lot of ground.”

Indeed, Bozlis showed an ability to catch the ball, drive it forward, often with his left hand, and his performance impressed his courtside NBA teammates Patrick Williams, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Chris Duarte and Dalen Terry.

“What can’t he do? He’s young. But he can shoot the ball and change direction. He can guard the 1-5,” Williams said. “He’s a dog, he’s really bad at talking. I like what I’m seeing.”

Donovan III focused more on the process than the results, especially since this summer tournament is his first real dress rehearsal with the Bulls. He said as long as Bozlis makes quick decisions — whether it’s a push, a pass or a shot — the results will come eventually.

“My coach asked me to be aggressive, but also read the field at the same time,” Bozlis said.

Bozlis gave his self-assessment in a practical way. When asked if he was dissatisfied with his performance, Bozlis declined to answer.

“I’m not depressed,” he said. “We won. That’s all that matters. Go watch the film. Simplify the game. Be aggressive. Read the ball. Play defense. Try to win. Just be happy that we won. But of course I can do better.”

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