Matas Buzelis Says Billy Had Him On A Leash… Now He’s Working With Dirk?! 👀🐂

Matas Buzelis is not hiding how he felt about his role under Billy Donovan — and now Bulls fans have a major reason to watch his development even closer. 👀🐂   On today’s episode of Locked On Bulls, Haize and Pat The Designer react to Matas Buzelis talking about Billy Donovan putting him on a leash and what that says about his growth, confidence, and mindset entering the 2026-27 NBA season. Was Matas limited too much last year? Did the Bulls fail to fully unlock his offensive game? And with Tiago Splitter now leading the team, could Buzelis finally get the freedom he needs to take a real leap?   The guys also discuss Matas working with Dirk Nowitzki and why that could be massive for his development. From footwork to shooting touch to creating advantages as a taller forward, Dirk’s influence could help Buzelis sharpen the exact areas that may determine whether he becomes a high-level starter or something even bigger for Chicago.   Plus, Haize and Pat break down Norman Powell’s 2026-27 season expectations with the Bulls. Powell was brought in to give Chicago veteran scoring, three-point shooting, shot creation, and offensive reliability. But how much should Bulls fans expect from him? Can Powell be the steady scoring presence this roster needs around Josh Giddey, Matas Buzelis, Caleb Wilson, Nic Claxton, and Dailyn Swain?   Topics Include: Matas Buzelis speaking on Billy Donovan’s restrictions Did Billy put Matas “on a leash”? How Tiago Splitter could unlock Buzelis Matas working with Dirk Nowitzki What Dirk’s influence could mean for Matas’ development Matas Buzelis Year 3 leap expectations Norman Powell’s 2026-27 Bulls role Can Powell fix Chicago’s scoring and shooting issues? How Powell fits next to Josh Giddey and the young core Bulls offensive expectations entering the season   The Bulls are entering a new era, and two players could define how quickly things change: Matas Buzelis and Norman Powell. If Matas takes the leap and Powell gives Chicago reliable veteran production, the Bulls may have a much more dangerous offense than people expect.   🎙️ Tune in to Locked On Bulls as Haize and Pat break down Matas Buzelis’ comments on Billy Donovan, his work with Dirk Nowitzki, and Norman Powell’s expectations for the 2026-27 season.     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.