Bulls Rookie Chosen For NBA Dunk Contest

Chicago Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis was granted a rare honor for rookies on Monday.

Jan 15, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) shoots against the Atlanta Hawks during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images | Matt Marton-Imagn Images

On Monday night it was announced that Bulls rookie Matas Buzelis has officially accepted an invitation to participate in the Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star Weekend.

Drafted at No. 11 overall by the Bulls in the 2024 NBA Draft, Buzelis has long wowed with his athleticism, dating back to his time with both the G League Ignite and even as a five-star as Sunrise Christian Academy, but now he’ll officially have his chance to shine under the spotlight.

He's put up a variety of highlight-level dunks in his high school and professional careers, and will certainly be a worthy addition to the event.

So far, Buzelis’ hasn’t stood out among the 2024 NBA class, which has performed as expected by many experts. But as a late-lottery pick, he was a long-term play on Chicago’s part, as they hope he turns into a star with length, ball-handling and jump-shooting.

On Monday night, Buzelis didn’t see the most productive game — scoring just five points on an inefficient 1-for-6 shooting, adding four rebounds and finish as a -11 plus-minus. Still, he was able to impact the game to some degree, using his length for stingy help defense in helping the Bulls to a win over the Clippers. He started the second half in place of Patrick Williams.

Prior to the game against LA, Buzelis has poured on 4.9 points on just 38% shooting so far this season, but still possesses a highly-coveted skillset as a potentially impactful two-way wing at 6-foot-9.

The Bulls next take on the Warriors on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 9 p.m. The NBA All-Star break will begin on Feb. 16.

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