🚨 CAN JOSH GIDDEY AND MATAS BUZELIS RECREATE THEIR POST-ASB SURGE? CHGO BULLS CREW BREAKS DOWN THE STATS AND WHAT TO EXPECT 👇

As the Chicago Bulls enter the final stretch of the 2026 season, the spotlight is shining on two of their young players: Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis. Both have shown significant improvement post-All-Star break in the previous season, contributing heavily to the Bulls’ impressive run in March and April, where they finished with a 15-6 record. But as we head into another stretch run, Bulls fans and analysts alike are wondering: Can Giddey and Buzelis replicate that surge in 2026?

The CHGO Bulls crew—Peck, Big Dave, and Will Gottlieb—recently took a deep dive into the early post-All-Star break production for the Bulls’ core pieces. Their discussion revolved around whether Giddey and Buzelis could once again elevate their play in the second half of the season. While the Bulls might not rack up the same number of wins they did last season, it’s crucial for fans to see continued growth from these young stars, especially with their increasing roles in the offense.

Josh Giddey: A Developing Star

Josh Giddey’s development has been one of the most exciting aspects of the Bulls’ current trajectory. After being acquired in a trade, Giddey has shown flashes of brilliance, particularly in the post-All-Star period last season. His ability to playmake, rebound, and contribute as a secondary scorer has made him a key asset for the Bulls.

Looking at Giddey’s pre-All Star vs post-All Star splits from last season, the improvement is undeniable. Before the break, Giddey averaged a respectable 12.4 points, 6.1 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. However, post-All Star, he bumped those numbers up to 16.8 points, 7.9 assists, and 6.1 rebounds—an encouraging leap. His shooting percentages also improved, notably in three-point shooting, where he increased his accuracy from 31.5% to 34.2% post-ASB.

This leap in production wasn’t just about raw numbers. Giddey began to look more comfortable in his role, becoming more aggressive offensively while maintaining his excellent court vision. His ability to orchestrate the offense and make his teammates better was on full display as he developed a stronger chemistry with his teammates, particularly with fellow core players like DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine.

For the 2026 season, Giddey has continued to show growth, though his numbers are slightly down from last season’s post-ASB surge. However, the team’s overall offensive system has been inconsistent, which impacts individual performance. Despite this, Giddey has remained a steady presence, and if the Bulls continue to emphasize his playmaking ability, he could very well lead another late-season push. Giddey’s growth as a leader and his ability to make plays in clutch moments will be crucial for the Bulls in the stretch run.

Matas Buzelis: A Rising Talent

Matas Buzelis, the Bulls’ other young standout, is another player to watch closely as the season progresses. After being drafted and joining the team, Buzelis quickly became a fan favorite with his athleticism and versatility. However, much like Giddey, Buzelis had a slow start to the season, only to find his rhythm after the All-Star break.

Before the break, Buzelis averaged a modest 7.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. Post-All-Star, though, his production saw an impressive spike, increasing to 12.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. His shooting percentage also improved significantly, as he became more confident in his shot selection. Buzelis became more aggressive attacking the basket, using his athleticism to finish at the rim and get to the free-throw line.

What made Buzelis’ post-ASB surge particularly notable was his ability to impact both ends of the floor. On defense, he started to show more discipline, using his length and quickness to disrupt passing lanes and challenge shots. His ability to switch across positions also allowed the Bulls to experiment with different defensive schemes, providing much-needed versatility in their rotations.

Heading into 2026, Buzelis has been a reliable contributor but still has room to grow. His performance has been solid, but he hasn’t quite reached the heights he hit last season after the All-Star break. As the season progresses, the Bulls will be hoping for another jump in production from Buzelis, especially in the second half. His development as a two-way player will be pivotal for the Bulls to make a playoff run.

What’s Trending Well for Giddey and Buzelis?

The early signs for both Giddey and Buzelis have been positive. Giddey has continued to show he can be a primary playmaker, and his improvement in shooting from last season remains encouraging. Buzelis, meanwhile, has worked hard on both his offensive game and defense, showing that he can contribute across multiple facets of the game. The chemistry between Giddey and Buzelis also seems to be growing, which could become one of the Bulls’ most potent combinations moving forward.

Areas of Concern: What’s Worrisome?

However, there are still areas of concern that the Bulls will need to address with both players. For Giddey, while his scoring has increased, his three-point shooting percentage still needs improvement to make him a more well-rounded offensive player. He’ll also need to become more consistent with his decision-making and cut down on turnovers.

Buzelis, on the other hand, has shown promise but can still be erratic at times. His shot selection can be inconsistent, and while he’s improved defensively, there are still lapses that need to be addressed. As he continues to learn and adapt to the NBA game, Buzelis will need to become more consistent if he’s to be a reliable piece in the Bulls’ rotation.

Plus-Minus Thoughts on Leonard Miller and Rob Dillingham

The CHGO Bulls crew also touched on the performance of Leonard Miller and Rob Dillingham, both of whom have shown flashes of potential. Miller’s versatility as a wing player and Dillingham’s raw talent have made them intriguing prospects for the Bulls. While both players have had limited minutes, their potential to contribute down the stretch cannot be ignored.

Looking Ahead: Will Giddey and Buzelis Deliver Down the Stretch?

As the Bulls gear up for the final stretch of the season, the question remains: Can Josh Giddey and Matas Buzelis replicate their post-All-Star break surge from last season? While the team may not hit the same win totals as they did last March and April, the hope is that Giddey and Buzelis continue to show growth and improvement. Their development will be key to the Bulls’ success moving forward, and if they can maintain their upward trajectory, the team could still make noise in the Eastern Conference.

For now, all eyes will be on the young stars, as the Bulls look to close out the season with momentum and build toward a stronger future.