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Matas Buzelis’ reaction to Lonzo Ball claiming Billy Donovan had him on ‘leash’ appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Matas Buzelis will enter into unfamiliar territory when he begins his third season with the Chicago Bulls. One of the obvious changes is no longer having Billy Donovan as head coach.
On a recent appearance on the Ball is in the Family podcast, Lonzo Ball accused Donovan of having Buzelis “on a leash” in terms of how he used him when Ball played in Chicago. A sentiment that Buzelis agreed with.
In the same breath, Buzelis expressed appreciation for Donovan by highlighting aspects of his approach.
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“I respect Billy so much though because like he’s a straight shooter,” Buzelis said. “Everything he says it’s either for the betterment of the team or to help you. And you know you have to respect a coach like that.”
Ball then added: “He was my favorite NBA coach.”
Ball played under Donovan in Chicago during the 2024-25 season. That offseason, he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for Isaac Okoro.
When Buzelis began his career that season, Donovan strictly utilized him for development. This past season, Donovan maintained aspects of that approach by giving Buzelis greater flexibility in ball-handling and floor spacing, but he reined him in on shot selection.
At the same time, Donovan held Buzelis to expectations of what it means to “arrive” in the league.
Buzelis averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game in 77 appearances.
In April, Donovan stepped down after six seasons as head coach. Shortly thereafter, Tiago Splitter was hired after a season at the helm of the Portland Trail Blazers.
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