Chicago Bulls rookie forward Matas Buzelis is set to take part in the NBA Dunk Contest, and he has a real shot of winning it.
Buzelis is one of the more exciting pieces the Bulls have, as his minutes have steadily increased throughout this season.
One NBA great thinks the Bulls have something special in their 20-year-old forward and thought he could’ve been a top-ten pick if he had gone to college.
The Chicago Bulls have a special talent
NBA great Carmelo Anthony thinks the Bulls have something special in Buzelis, saying that he would’ve been a top-10 pick if he had gone to college (expletive warning).
“I expletive with Matas. He could’ve been the top pick in the draft. I think Chicago has something with Matas.”
Buzelis has had an interesting path to the NBA by being a consensus five-star recruit but decided to forgo college and play in the G League instead. According to his profile done by RotoWire, they describe Buzelis as an “excellent ballhandler for his size” and he has “elite defensive instincts”.
A tremendous rookie season
Buzelis has had an interesting rookie year, going from having zero minutes to being the Bull’s starting power forward. Since becoming the Bulls starter in four games Matas has averaged 25.8 minutes, has 13.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, and has averaged a block a game.
In February, Buzelis has been even better, scoring 14.8 points, 2.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, and is shooting 60.3% from the floor and 40% from three. For such a spectacular rookie year, Buzelis was honored with the privilege of being invited to the Dunk Contest and played in the NBA Rising Stars game.
Buzelis competition for the Dunk Contest will be Stephon Castle of the Spurs, Andre Jackson Jr. of the Bucks, and 2x winner Mac McClung of the Orlando Magic. Buzelis should do well in the contest, having practiced and received advice from his former teammate Zach LaVine, who was a 2x winner back in 2015 and 2016. According to Buzelis, he has some dunks hidden up his sleeve that could win him the whole thing.
Matas will be the fifth Bulls player to participate in the Dunk Contest with the last Bulls player participating being Tyrus Thomas back in 2007. Buzelis joins the likes of Bulls Legends Michael Jordan (’85, ‘87, and ‘88), Scottie Pippen (’90), and Orlando Woolridge (’84 and ‘85).
A piece to build around
Matas is proving that he is someone that the Bulls have to build around and make the face of the franchise.
If Buzelis can win the Dunk Contest, he will propel his name further into stardom and bring some notoriety to him and the Bulls franchise.
