Matas Bouzelis was ready to make a breakthrough for the Bulls after the setback due to Kobe White’s injury

News yes Coby White will miss the start of the season due to a calf injury is not what the Bulls were hoping for. After all, White is their dynamic scorer and playmaker, as well as their team leader.

The guy the offense revolves around. Indeed, his absence will be felt, but luckily for the Bulls, they have someone up their sleeve who could temporarily fill the voidaccording to Sports Illustrated’s Will Desparte.

That person is second-year sensation Matas Bouzelis. During the preseason, Bouzelis put up decent numbers. He averaged 17.6 points and 3.6 rebounds per game. Additionally, he shot 57% from the field, 39% from the three-point line and averaged 23.3 minutes per game.

Over the course of five games, Bouzelis had outstanding performances. Against the Denver Nuggets, he scored 20 points, had 5 blocks and grabbed three rebounds in a 124-117 loss. In their final preseason game against the Minnesota Timberwolves, he scored 19 points in 25 minutes to lead the way to a 106-100 victory.

Last season, Bouzelis averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 18.9 minutes per game in 80 games. Over the summer, Buzelis put on a dazzling show during the NBA Summer League. He averaged 22.5 points and five rebounds per game. Among his notable games were 28 points against the Indiana Pacers.

The Bulls open their regular season at home against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday.

Matas Bouzelis is in the right place at the right time for the Bulls

With White currently out, Bouzelis is the right guy to take over. He has the athleticism, leadership bravado and versatility needed to get the Bulls off to a decent start.

After Zach LaVine was traded to the Kings February, space was created for Buzelis to contribute. Since then, he has become a reliable presence on the field for goals in groups as well as defending. At 6-foot-10, Bouzelis has the size and strength to guard multiple defenders.

Additionally, he excels in an area that White struggles with, which is being a consistent defender. Last season, Bouzelis finished with 75 blocks, 5th among all NBA rookies.

Furthermore, Bouzelis is an all-around offensive asset who can score from anywhere on the floor as well as push the pace. The two do a lot of good when paired together Josh Giddei. Both are good when it comes to making plays and finding big scoring opportunities in transition.

As was the case against the Timberwolves in their final preseason game. Giddei managed to find Bouzelis at the right time for a dunk moment, four to be exact.

Then there is the confident personality that Bouzelis possesses. He has that old school “put me as a coach, I’m ready to play today”. In other words, he is not waiting for his time, his time is here and now. He wants the ball, he wants to contribute and he wants to do whatever it takes to win.

During media day, Bouzelis focused on that won the NBA award for the best player as well as the long-term view of winning championships, every player’s dream.

Lofty is an understatement to describe the latter given where the Bulls are. However, Bouzelis brings that championship spirit that the Bulls could feed off of.

While Belo’s absence is a big bummer, fear not, Matas Bouzelis is here.