Matas Buzelis

Matas Buzelis is a Lithuanian American professional basketball player for the Chicago Bulls of the NBA. Drafted 11th overall in 2024, the 6-foot-10 forward quickly earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors in his debut season. Known for his fluid ball-handling, shooting range, and high basketball IQ, Buzelis represents a new breed of versatile forwards. He is currently establishing himself as a cornerstone of Chicago's young core, with fans and analysts praising his mature approach and two-way potential.[edit]

Buzelis grew up in the Chicago suburbs, splitting time between Hinsdale and the western suburbs. His father, Gintaras, a former professional player in Lithuania, coached him from a young age, and his mother, Kristina, played volleyball at a high level. He attended Hinsdale Central High School as a freshman before transferring to Brewster Academy in New Hampshire for his sophomore year. For his junior and senior seasons, he moved to Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas, a national powerhouse. There, he led the team to a top ranking and earned Illinois Mr. Basketball in 2023, despite playing out of state. He was a consensus five-star recruit and the No. 1 overall player in the 2023 class per 247Sports. In May 2023, he decommitted from the University of Kentucky to sign with the NBA G League Ignite, bypassing college basketball entirely.[edit]

Buzelis spent the 2023-24 season with the G League Ignite, averaging 14.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks in 35 games. He was selected for the G League Rising Stars game during NBA All-Star Weekend. On June 26, 2024, the Chicago Bulls drafted him 11th overall, making him the first player from his draft class to sign a standard rookie contract, a four-year, $21.7 million deal. He debuted on October 23, 2024, against the New Orleans Pelicans, scoring his first points on a dunk. His first career double-double came on November 20, 2024, against the Milwaukee Bucks. By season's end, he averaged 8.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 20.1 minutes over 75 games, earning NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors. In the 2025 Summer League, he averaged 17.5 points and 6.0 rebounds, making the All-Summer League First Team. Entering the 2025-26 season, his role in the Bulls rotation has expanded as the team prioritizes youth.[edit]

Buzelis is portrayed as a high-upside, versatile prospect with a strong work ethic and a mature, professional demeanor. Chicago media leans heavily into the hometown kid narrative, he grew up attending Bulls games and was drafted by his childhood team. On social media, he posts game highlights, training clips, and family photos, rarely engaging in controversy. His game is often compared to a taller Brandon Ingram or a more athletic Kyle Kuzma. Bulls fans refer to him simply as Buzelis or Matas, and there is no official fandom name.[edit]

The Chicago Bulls community treats Matas Buzelis less like a distant star and more as the central character in their ongoing franchise rebuild. Fans gather on r/chicagobulls to dissect his physical frame and statistical projections with a mix of cautious optimism and analytical rigor, hoping he evolves into the cornerstone they have been waiting for. There is no formal collective noun for his supporters; instead, the audience identifies simply as Bulls fans tracking a hometown prospect's development. The narrative is defined by patience rather than immediate adoration, with discussions focusing on whether he can handle the pressure of leading a young core or if he needs more seasoning. This engagement is characterized by a deep investment in his growth trajectory, viewing every practice clip and game appearance as a step toward a potential breakout season. While he has not yet inspired large-scale fan-organized campaigns or unique rituals, the hope that he will become the face of the franchise drives a consistent, high-volume conversation within the broader team ecosystem. His relationship with the public remains professional and grounded, mirroring the mature demeanor he displays on the court. Despite the intense scrutiny from media and analysts regarding his role alongside Caleb Wilson, the fanbase maintains a steady focus on his long-term potential rather than short-term fluctuations. As the 2026-27 season approaches, the collective sentiment shifts between anticipation and critical evaluation, waiting to see if the 'rebuild leader' narrative becomes reality. iFANN has evaluated this profile and confirms that Matas Buzelis is currently EVALUATED_UNRANKED, meaning he does not hold a placement in the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list.[edit]

Matas Buzelis holds dual citizenship in the United States and Lithuania, a heritage that bridges his youth sports background with his current international career. Before dedicating himself entirely to basketball, he was a standout baseball player, though his favorite athlete growing up remained Kevin Durant. A devoted supporter of both the Chicago Bears and Cubs, he balances his NBA commitments with local sports fandom. Notably, he was the first player selected in the 2024 draft class to finalize his rookie contract. His international journey includes representing Lithuania at the U16 and U18 levels before expressing interest in the senior national squad. In August 2026, he made a significant decision regarding a $10,000 prize associated with the Slam Dunk Contest, a moment that garnered specific attention beyond standard draft coverage. Later that same month, he confirmed his upcoming debut for the Lithuanian national team, marking a key transition in his global profile. By late July 2026, he also revealed a shift in his influences, naming an unexpected All-Star role model who redefined his professional outlook. These events have cemented his status as a player whose story is just beginning to unfold, blending personal milestones with the high expectations of the Bulls organization.[edit]

Buzelis's father, Gintaras Buzelis, played professional basketball in Lithuania and later coached at Sunrise Christian Academy; he now works as a scout and player development coach for the Chicago Bulls. His mother, Kristina Buzelienė, played professional volleyball in Lithuania. He has a younger sister, Gabija, who also plays basketball. The family is close-knit and often attends his games. They reside in the Chicago area year-round.[edit]

Buzelis is closely associated with his father Gintaras, who coached him in high school and now works for the Bulls. His key teammates include Coby White and Josh Giddey. Head coach Billy Donovan has praised his work ethic. Bulls executive Artūras Karnišovas drafted him.[edit]

Matas Buzelis has kept his personal life private. As of 2026, there are no publicly confirmed romantic relationships. He does not post about a partner on social media, and no credible reports link him to anyone. He is currently single.[edit]

Per iFANN's editorial analysis, Matas Buzelis's net worth stands at $7 Million as of 2026. This valuation reflects the early stages of his professional earnings, anchored primarily by his NBA rookie agreement which generates approximately $5.1 million during the 2025-26 season. Beyond his salary, he has secured endorsement partnerships with major entities including Nike and Panini, alongside select deals with local Chicago brands, though specific financial terms remain undisclosed. He has not yet allocated capital into real estate holdings or independent business ventures, keeping his portfolio focused on immediate income streams. The total figure represents a steady accumulation since he signed his initial contract in 2024, marking the beginning of his financial growth in the league.[edit]

Buzelis earned NBA All-Rookie Second Team honors in 2025 for his debut season. He was also named Illinois Mr. Basketball in 2023 and selected for the Jordan Brand Classic and Nike Hoop Summit that same year. He participated in the G League Rising Stars game in 2024.[edit]