2024 NBA Mock Draft 3.0: Spurs solve PG woes, Pistons go upside at 1

9. Chicago Bulls draft Matas Buzelis

Buzelis missed time with an ankle injury, and the G League Ignite struggled mightily without him. When the 19-year-old returned in early December, he hit the ground running, and the team’s play improved. Through eight games, Buzelis is averaging 12.0 points, 4.8 rebounds. 1.1 steals, and 1.4 blocks in 23.8 minutes per game.

The 6’10 forward was in contention to be the number-one overall pick before the season and could play his way back into the race. His 27.3 percent shooting from 3-point range over 22 attempts must improve. NBA scouts want to see more defense and playmaking too.

Buzelis will be a lottery pick based on his size and versatile skill set, but how high can the teenager climb? If he wants to go in the top ten, the defensive stats must stick and the Ignite’s play must continue to improve.

The Chicago Bulls are one of the hottest teams in the trade rumor mill, but will they blow it up? Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, Alex Caruso, and others could be dealt before the Feb. 8 deadline. If the Bulls are in a full-scale rebuild, they should go best player available. The number two prospect in this class preseason slipping to ninth seems like a no-brainer choice if Chicago tears things down.