Josh Giddey Expectations Are HUGE… Is Matas Buzelis Ready For A Year 3 Leap?

The Chicago Bulls are entering the 2026-27 season with a new-look roster, a new head coach, and major expectations for their young core — starting with Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. 👀🐂 On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer break down what Bulls fans should realistically expect from Josh Giddey this season. After the front office made it clear that Giddey is viewed as part of the Bulls’ core, the pressure is now on him to prove he can be more than a connective passer. Can Giddey improve as a shooter, defend at a higher level, control the offense, and help raise the ceiling of the team? The guys also discuss whether Matas Buzelis is ready to make a true third-year leap. With more talent around him and a bigger role in the Bulls’ future, Buzelis has a chance to become one of Chicago’s most important players. But what does that leap actually look like? More scoring? Better three-point shooting? Stronger defense? More consistency? Haize and Pat lay out what fans should be watching for. Plus, the guys dive into the question of Thomas Sorber’s availability and whether the Bulls should be interested if the young big man becomes a realistic option. Chicago has added frontcourt talent, but long-term size, rim protection, rebounding, and developmental upside should always be on the radar for Bryson Graham and the front office. Topics Include: Josh Giddey’s 2026-27 expectations Can Giddey prove he is a Bulls core piece? What Giddey must improve this season Matas Buzelis’ possible third-year leap Why Buzelis’ development matters so much Thomas Sorber availability watch Should the Bulls pursue another young big? How the Bulls’ young core fits together Bryson Graham’s long-term roster-building vision Bulls expectations entering the new season The Bulls have more intriguing talent than they have had in years, but now the next step is turning promise into production. If Giddey and Buzelis both level up, Chicago’s rebuild could start moving faster than expected. 🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Josh Giddey’s expectations, Matas Buzelis’ Year 3 leap potential, and whether Thomas Sorber should be on the Bulls’ radar. Follow Locked On Bulls on Twitter Locked On Bulls: https://twitter.com/LockedOnBulls Haize: https://twitter.com/CEOHaize Pat: https://twitter.com/PatTheDesigner Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Odoo Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon. Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast Betterhelp This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDONNBA. FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Join all the action at https://FANDUEL.COM to play Daily Dingers and make your free pick on who’s hitting a homer this MLB season. FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.