Matas Buzelis

Matas Buzelis Bio

Matas Arvidas Buzelis (born October 13, 2004) is a Lithuanian American professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He was selected 11th overall by the Bulls in the 2024 NBA draft after playing one season with NBA G League Ignite. Buzelis has quickly established himself as one of the most promising young forwards in the league, known for his scoring ability, athleticism, and basketball IQ.

Early Life and Background

Buzelis was born in Chicago, Illinois on October 13, 2004. Both of his parents played basketball professionally in Lithuania before immigrating to the United States and settling in the Chicago area. His mother, Kristina Jankauskaite, played for Lithuanian youth national basketball teams and was considered one of the most promising basketball players of her generation. His father, Aidas Buzelis, played for multiple Lithuanian Basketball League clubs and later worked as a physiotherapist for the Lithuania men’s national basketball team.

The Buzelis family has deep roots in Lithuanian sports. His maternal grandfather, Arvydas Jankauskas, was a basketball player and coach. His paternal grandfather, Petras Buzelis, debuted for Zalgiris Kaunas at age 19, later becoming team captain and winning six Lithuanian League titles and three USSR Premier Basketball League bronze medals. His grandmother, Elena Buzeliene, is an all-time great Lithuanian handball player who won two European Champions Cups.

During his childhood, Buzelis attended gymnastics school with his brother and sister before moving to swimming where he achieved the best results among under-10 and under-12 breaststroke swimmers in the state of Illinois.

Path to Basketball

Buzelis began his high school career at Hinsdale Central High School in suburban Hinsdale, Illinois, playing on the sophomore team as a freshman. He transferred to Brewster Academy in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire midway through his sophomore year after Hinsdale Central’s basketball season was postponed due to COVID-19 concerns. At Brewster Academy, Buzelis developed into a top prospect, earning the 2022 New Hampshire Gatorade Player of the Year award after averaging 11.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game. He also represented Team World in the 2022 Nike Hoop Summit.

For his senior year, Buzelis transferred to Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas. He averaged 15.7 points and 5.6 rebounds per game while shooting 54 percent from the field, 42.4 percent from three-point range, and 80 percent from the free throw line. He was selected to play in the 2023 McDonald’s All-American Boys Game and was named MVP of the Basketball Without Borders camp during the 2023 NBA All-Star weekend. Buzelis was a consensus five-star recruit and ranked among the top players in the 2023 class.

Matas Buzelis Career

NBA G League Ignite (2023-2024)

Rather than attending college, Buzelis chose the professional path by signing with NBA G League Ignite on May 31, 2023. This decision allowed him to bypass traditional college eligibility and develop his skills against professional competition. During the 2023-24 NBA G League season, he averaged 14.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game while gaining valuable experience in a professional environment.

His performance with Ignite earned him recognition in the NBA All-Star weekend festivities. Buzelis was selected to participate in the 2024 Rising Stars Challenge, representing Team Detlef in the tournament-style competition. These experiences showcased his abilities on a national stage and strengthened his draft stock heading into the 2024 NBA Draft.

Chicago Bulls Breakthrough (2024-Present)

Buzelis was selected with the 11th overall pick by the Chicago Bulls during the 2024 NBA Draft. Reports indicated he had worked his way into projected top-5 consideration during the pre-draft process, with teams drawn to his size and basketball instincts. The Bulls selected him with the 11th pick, bringing the Chicago native home to his hometown team. He signed his rookie-scale contract with the Bulls on July 2, 2024.

Buzelis made his NBA debut on October 23, 2024, in a 123-111 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. His rookie season showed steady progression as his role expanded throughout the year. He became the first Lithuanian player to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during the 2025 All-Star weekend, and the first Bulls player to compete in the event since Tyrus Thomas in 2007. On February 4, 2025, he scored 24 points while shooting a perfect 10-for-10 from the field in a 133-124 win over the Miami Heat.

Buzelis continued to make history throughout his rookie campaign. On March 22, 2025, he recorded a career-high 31 points in a 146-115 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Nine days later, he became only the third Bulls rookie to record at least 28 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists in a game, joining Michael Jordan and Charles Oakley as the only players in franchise history to achieve that feat. His first career double-double came on April 4, 2025, with 12 points and 12 rebounds in a win over the Portland Trail Blazers. When his playing time increased in the second half of the season, Buzelis averaged 13 points on 47.3 percent shooting and 4.5 rebounds per game as a starter. The Bulls qualified for the play-in tournament but lost to the Miami Heat, missing the 2025 NBA playoffs.

Chicago Bulls Era (2025-Present)

Buzelis began his second NBA season with an impressive performance, scoring 21 points with 6 rebounds and 3 blocks in a season-opening 115-111 victory against the Detroit Pistons alongside Nikola Vucevic. When the Bulls traded veteran players including Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, and Ayo Dosunmu before the NBA trade deadline, Buzelis’s role expanded significantly and he became the Bulls leading scorer.

He continued setting new career milestones throughout the 2025-26 season. On February 24, 2026, he recorded a new career-high with 32 points against the Charlotte Hornets. On March 10, 2026, Buzelis set another career-high by scoring 41 points with 6 rebounds, 2 steals, 2 assists, and 2 blocks, leading the Bulls to a 130-124 victory over the Golden State Warriors. He became only the third Bulls player in history to score at least 40 points while being 21 years old or younger, joining Michael Jordan and Elton Brand. His 41-point performance matched Linas Kleiza’s second-highest scoring game for a Lithuanian player in the NBA history. Despite his improved production, the Bulls finished 12th in the Eastern Conference and missed the 2026 NBA playoffs.

Playing Style and Strengths

Buzelis plays the power forward and small forward positions with a versatile skill set that allows him to impact games on both ends of the floor. His combination of size, shooting range, and basketball intelligence gives him the ability to score from multiple positions on the court. His shooting mechanics and range extend to the three-point line, while his athleticism enables him to finish effectively at the rim. Defensively, his size and instincts allow him to guard multiple positions and protect the rim.

Notable Achievements and Milestones

Buzelis has accumulated several notable achievements in his young career. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie Second Team in 2025 following his impressive debut season. Before turning professional, he earned McDonald’s All-American and Jordan Brand Classic honors in 2023, along with being selected to the Nike Hoop Summit in 2022. During his time with NBA G League Ignite, he participated in the 2024 NBA G League Next Up Game. He also represented Lithuania internationally, committing to the national team in 2022.

Matas Buzelis Family

Family Background

The Buzelis family has produced multiple generations of basketball players. Both of Matas Buzelis parents played professionally, with his father Aidas Buzelis also serving as a physiotherapist for the Lithuania men’s national basketball team. His paternal grandfather, Petras Buzelis, captained Zalgiris Kaunas and won six Lithuanian League titles during his career. His maternal grandfather, Arvydas Jankauskas, was a basketball player and coach. His grandmother Elena Buzeliene was a renowned handball player who won two European Champions Cups, making the Buzelis family a multi-sport athletic dynasty in Lithuania.

Personal Life

Buzelis holds dual Lithuanian and American nationality, reflecting his heritage and birthplace. He speaks Lithuanian fluently in addition to English, maintaining a strong connection to his Lithuanian roots. The Buzelis family resides in the Chicago area where Matas was born and raised.

2025-26 Season Performance

The 2025-26 NBA season marked a significant leap in Buzelis development as he transitioned from a promising rookie to a focal point of the Bulls offense. After the team traded veteran players before the trade deadline, his scoring responsibilities nearly doubled as he assumed the leading scorer role for a rebuilding Bulls squad. This increased opportunity showcased his ability to carry a heavier offensive load at the NBA level.

His season was highlighted by multiple career-high scoring performances, including a 41-point eruption against the Golden State Warriors that placed him among elite company in Bulls franchise history. The milestone made him the third player under age 21 to score 40 or more points for the Bulls, joining Hall of Famers Michael Jordan and Elton Brand. His 41-point game also ranked among the highest-scoring performances by a Lithuanian player in NBA history.

Despite his individual success, the Bulls struggled as a team and finished outside the playoff picture in the Eastern Conference standings. The experience of playing with increased responsibility against quality competition provides valuable development for Buzelis as he continues his NBA career. The Bulls coaching staff showed confidence in his abilities by increasing his minutes and role throughout the season, signaling their belief in his long-term potential as a cornerstone player for the franchise.

Matas Buzelis Awards and Honors