Results: 07/11/2025 - Standouts: Buzelis, Essengue, Martin

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Summer League Spotlight: Buzelis Shows Aggression, Essengue Flashes Defense, Martin Impresses

The Chicago Bulls and Toronto Raptors clashed in Summer League action, with the Raptors cruising to a 116–72 win. While the score was lopsided, it provided an opportunity to evaluate some of the more intriguing prospects on both sides.


Matas Buzelis: Aggressive but Inefficient

Chicago’s top prospect Matas Buzelis showcased his willingness to attack but struggled with efficiency. He finished with 17 points on just 28.6% shooting, though he converted all 7 free throws and added 5 rebounds and a block. His confidence as a scorer was clear, but his shot selection and decision-making still need refinement.

Player

MIN

FGM-FGA

FG%

3PM-3PA

3P%

FTM-FTA

FT%

REB

AST

STL

BLK

TO

PTS

M. Buzelis

25:00

4–14

28.6

2–8

25.0

7–7

100

5

1

1

2

4

17

Buzelis remains one of Chicago’s long-term cornerstones, and the Summer League serves as a proving ground to sharpen his offensive efficiency.


Noa Essengue: Defensive Upside

Second-year forward Noa Essengue quietly contributed with defensive activity and energy. He scored 5 points but added 3 rebounds and 3 steals, showcasing his potential as a disruptive defender. Turnovers (7) and fouls (3) were concerning, but the tools are there.

Player

MIN

FGM-FGA

FG%

3PM-3PA

3P%

FTM-FTA

FT%

REB

AST

STL

BLK

TO

PTS

N. Essengue

24:17

2–7

28.6

1–3

33.3

0–2

0.0

3

0

3

1

7

5

Essengue’s role as a defensive-minded rotation player could grow if he cleans up his mistakes and develops some offensive polish.

Alijah Martin: Complete Offensive Game

On the Raptors side, Alijah Martin shined with a balanced and efficient performance. He scored 16 points on 50% shooting, added 5 rebounds, and dished out 5 assists, showing his versatility. Martin’s ability to contribute across the board makes him one of Toronto’s most promising wings of this group.

Player

MIN

FGM-FGA

FG%

3PM-3PA

3P%

FTM-FTA

FT%

REB

AST

STL

BLK

TO

PTS

A. Martin

21:15

6–12

50.0

2–4

50.0

2–2

100

5

5

2

0

3

16

Martin continues to make his case for a spot in Toronto’s rotation as a reliable two-way wing with shooting touch and playmaking feel.


Outlook

Summer League isn’t about wins and losses, it’s about development. For Buzelis, the focus will be efficiency and poise. Essengue must channel his defensive potential into more disciplined play. And Martin has already begun to stand out as a polished, rotation-ready piece.

All three players are worth monitoring as the regular season approaches.

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