Matas Buzelis, the Chicago Bulls’ electrifying rookie forward, captivates fans with his athleticism, versatility, and relentless drive. Selected 11th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft, this Lithuanian-American phenom brings a unique blend of size, skill, and flair to the court. At just 20 years old, Buzelis already showcases glimpses of stardom, making him a cornerstone for Chicago’s rebuild. This article dives deep into his 2024-25 NBA season performance, career highlights, and what makes him a player to watch. With fresh stats and insights, we explore how Buzelis evolves into a potential franchise leader.
Who Is Matas Buzelis?
Matas Arvidas Buzelis, born on October 13, 2004, in Chicago, Illinois, carries a rich basketball heritage. His parents, both professional basketball players in Lithuania, instilled a love for the game early on. Growing up in Hinsdale, Illinois, Buzelis excelled in multiple sports, including gymnastics and swimming, where he dominated breaststroke competitions. However, basketball became his true calling. Standing at 6’10” with a 6’10.25” wingspan, Buzelis combines point-forward skills with defensive instincts, drawing comparisons to versatile NBA stars like Franz Wagner.
Buzelis’ journey to the NBA took a nontraditional path. After starring at Hinsdale Central High School, he transferred to Brewster Academy in New Hampshire and later Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas. His senior year earned him the 2022-23 Kansas Boys Basketball Player of the Year award. A consensus five-star recruit, Buzelis opted for the NBA G League Ignite over college, averaging 14.1 points and 6.6 rebounds in the 2023-24 season. His bold choice paid off, landing him with the Bulls, his hometown team.
2024-25 NBA Season: A Rookie on the Rise
Buzelis debuted for the Bulls on October 23, 2024, against the New Orleans Pelicans, marking the start of a promising campaign. Through 80 regular-season games, he averages 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game, according to StatMuse. While these numbers reflect a rookie adjusting to the NBA’s pace, his growth over the season tells a more compelling story. Let’s break down his performance month by month, highlighting his improvement and impact.
October and November: Finding His Footing
In October, Buzelis struggled to find rhythm, averaging just 1 point per game on 18% field goal shooting. Limited minutes off the bench and the NBA’s steep learning curve challenged the rookie. November showed progress, with his scoring jumping to 5.3 points per game and a 39% field goal percentage. His three-point shooting also improved to 35%, hinting at his potential as a floor-spacer. These early months tested Buzelis’ resilience, but he adapted quickly, earning more trust from coach Billy Donovan.
December and January: Gaining Confidence
December marked a turning point. Buzelis averaged 6.6 points and 3.4 rebounds, shooting 36% from the field and three-point range. His defensive instincts shone, with 1.4 blocks per game over recent stretches, tying for first among rookies. January brought further strides, as he posted 5.7 points on 47% shooting. A standout moment came on January 20, 2025, when Buzelis committed to the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, becoming the first Bulls player since Tyrus Thomas in 2007 to participate.
February and March: Breakout Performances
February saw Buzelis explode, averaging 14.8 points per game on 60% field goal shooting and 40% from three. Over his last eight games, he averaged 14.1 points, 1.3 blocks, and a 59.7% field goal percentage, ranking third among rookies in scoring during that span. On February 4, he scored 24 points, going a perfect 10-for-10 against the Miami Heat. March elevated his status further, with a career-high 31 points against the Los Angeles Lakers on March 22. He followed with 28 points, nine rebounds, and six assists against the Dallas Mavericks on March 29, joining Michael Jordan and Charles Oakley as the only Bulls rookies to achieve such a stat line.
April: Solidifying His Role
In April, Buzelis notched his first career double-double, recording 12 points and 12 rebounds in a win over the Portland Trail Blazers on April 4. His efficiency remained strong, with 47.3% field goal shooting and 34.9% from three across 31 starts. Averaging 13.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 26.8 minutes as a starter, Buzelis proved he belongs in Chicago’s core. His highlight-reel dunks and defensive plays energized the United Center crowd.
Game-by-Game Highlights
Buzelis’ 2024-25 season features several standout performances that showcase his versatility. On April 4, he delivered 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in a 119-89 rout of the Washington Wizards. Against the Charlotte Hornets, he contributed 10 points, four rebounds, and a block in 24 minutes. A 145-117 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder saw him score 14 points with seven rebounds and four blocks, demonstrating his two-way potential. These games underline his ability to impact both ends of the floor.
His most memorable moment came against the Mavericks, where he nearly achieved a triple-double. Scoring 28 points on 10-of-17 shooting, including 5-of-7 from three, Buzelis displayed the offensive versatility that makes him a mismatch nightmare. His nine rebounds and six assists highlighted his playmaking, a skill he honed with the G League Ignite.
Strengths and Areas for Growth
Buzelis’ game thrives on his athleticism and versatility. At 6’10”, he handles the ball like a guard, slithering through defenses with crafty moves. His transition play dazzles, as he often grabs rebounds and pushes the pace himself. Defensively, his 2.1 blocks per game in the G League translate to the NBA, where his timing and length disrupt shots. His 34.9% three-point shooting as a starter shows promise, especially for a big man.
However, Buzelis faces challenges typical of a young player. His 197-pound frame needs more muscle to handle physical NBA forwards. His jump shot, while improving, remains inconsistent, particularly off the dribble. Passing awareness also requires refinement, as he occasionally misses open teammates. Adding strength and polishing his shooting will elevate him from a highlight machine to a consistent star.
Impact on the Chicago Bulls
The Bulls, in the midst of a rebuild, view Buzelis as a cornerstone alongside Josh Giddey and Coby White. His fearless style, as noted by coach Billy Donovan, energizes the team. Posts on X praise his development, with fans calling him the “only Bulls storyline that matters” for the season’s remainder. Chicago’s 15 wins in their last 20 games, as reported by The Athletic, owe partly to Buzelis’ growing role. His ability to guard stars like LeBron James and contribute offensively makes him indispensable.
Buzelis’ commitment to the Slam Dunk Contest signals his rising profile. As the first Lithuanian player to participate, he carries cultural pride and aims to showcase his jaw-dropping athleticism. His dunks, often described as “memorable” by The Athletic, could steal the show at the 2025 All-Star Weekend.
G League Roots and Draft Journey
Before the NBA, Buzelis honed his skills with the G League Ignite, a now-defunct program. Despite the team’s dismal 2-32 record, he averaged 14.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks, earning praise for his resilience. On December 15, 2023, he scored a career-high 25 points against the Rip City Remix. January 4, 2025, saw him set a G League personal best with five blocks for the Windy City Bulls.
His draft stock fluctuated due to the Ignite’s struggles and his inconsistent shooting. Initially projected as a top-five pick, he slipped to 11th, where the Bulls eagerly selected him. Chicago’s front office values his potential, reportedly unwilling to trade him, per RealGM. His Summer League performance—16.4 points and 2.0 blocks per game—silenced doubters, showcasing his athletic dominance.
International Commitment and Legacy
Buzelis proudly represents Lithuania, committing to their national team in 2022. His maternal grandfather, Arvydas Jankauskas, and paternal grandfather, Petras Buzelis, both excelled in Lithuanian basketball. His mother, Kristina Jankauskaitė, starred for youth national teams. This legacy fuels Buzelis’ drive to honor his roots. His participation in the 2023 Basketball Without Borders camp, where he earned MVP honors, underscores his global appeal.
What’s Next for Buzelis?
As the 2024-25 season progresses, Buzelis aims to cement his role as a starter. His recent stats—14.4 points and 75.6% true shooting over seven games—suggest he’s ready for more minutes. The Slam Dunk Contest offers a stage to showcase his charisma and athleticism, potentially boosting his marketability. Long-term, Buzelis could develop into a two-way star, blending Kevin Durant’s scoring with Chet Holmgren’s defensive instincts.
Portland Trail The Bulls’ rebuild hinges on young talents like Buzelis. His ability to handle pressure, as seen when guarding LeBron James, bodes well for high-stakes moments. With Chicago eyeing playoff contention, Buzelis’ growth will determine their ceiling. Fans eagerly await his next highlight, whether it’s a thunderous dunk or a clutch block.
FAQs About Matas Buzelis
What are Matas Buzelis’ average stats for the 2024-25 NBA season?
Goga Bitadze Buzelis averages 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.3 assists per game across 80 games. As a starter, he elevates to 13.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks in 26.8 minutes, shooting 47.3% from the field and 34.9% from three, per RotoWire.
How has Buzelis improved throughout his rookie season?
Timberwolves vs. Knicks Buzelis started slowly, averaging 1 point in October, but surged to 14.8 points in February on 60% shooting. His three-point accuracy climbed from 0% to 40%, and his blocks (1.3 per game recently) rank among rookie leaders, per X posts.
What makes Buzelis a unique player for the Bulls?
Tutu Atwell His 6’10” frame, guard-like ball-handling, and defensive instincts set him apart. He excels in transition, finishes with authority, and blocks shots with elite timing. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions and initiate offense, per NBADraft.net.
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