History of Matas Buzelis in Timeline

Matas Buzelis is a Lithuanian-American professional basketball player currently playing for the Chicago Bulls in the NBA. He was drafted 11th overall by the Bulls in the 2024 NBA draft. As a prospect, Buzelis is known for his versatile skillset and potential as a modern NBA player.

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Full Timeline

October 13, 2004: Birth of Matas Buzelis

On October 13, 2004, Matas Arvidas Buzelis was born. He is a Lithuanian American professional basketball player.

Others born on this day/year

2007: Tyrus Thomas last Bulls player in dunk contest

In 2007, Tyrus Thomas was the last Chicago Bulls player to participate in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest before Matas Buzelis in 2025.

July 21, 2022: Committed to Lithuania national basketball team

On July 21, 2022, Matas Buzelis committed to the Lithuania men's national basketball team for international competitions.

2022: New Hampshire Gatorade Player of the Year

In 2022, as a junior, Matas Buzelis was named the 2022 New Hampshire Gatorade Player of the Year after averaging 11.4 points, 5.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.3 blocks and 1.2 steals per game. He was also selected to play for Team World in the 2022 Nike Hoop Summit.

May 31, 2023: Signed with NBA G League Ignite

On May 31, 2023, Matas Buzelis officially signed with the NBA G League Ignite.

2023: McDonald's All-American and Basketball Without Borders MVP

In 2023, Matas Buzelis was selected to play in the 2023 McDonald's All-American Boys Game. He also participated in the Basketball Without Borders camp during the 2023 NBA All-Star weekend and was named the camp's MVP.

2023: Considered college basketball offers

In 2023, Matas Buzelis, a consensus five-star recruit, chose to play professionally for NBA G League Ignite after considering offers from Kentucky, North Carolina, Florida State and Wake Forest.

July 2, 2024: Signed rookie contract with the Bulls

On July 2, 2024, Matas Buzelis signed a rookie-scale contract with the Chicago Bulls.

October 23, 2024: NBA Debut

On October 23, 2024, Matas Buzelis made his NBA debut in a 123–111 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

2024: Drafted by Chicago Bulls

In 2024, Matas Buzelis was drafted 11th overall by the Chicago Bulls of the NBA.

2024: Rising Stars Challenge Selection

In 2024, Matas Buzelis was selected to play in the Rising Stars Challenge as a part of Team Detlef. During the 2023–24 NBA G League season Buzelis averaged 14.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 1.9 assists per game.

January 20, 2025: Committed to NBA Slam Dunk Contest

On January 20, 2025, Matas Buzelis committed to the NBA Slam Dunk Contest during the 2025 All-Star weekend, becoming the first Lithuanian player to do so and the first Chicago Bulls player to participate since Tyrus Thomas in 2007.

May 20, 2025: Named to NBA All-Rookie Second Team

On May 20, 2025, Matas Buzelis was included in the NBA All-Rookie Second Team.

February 5, 2026: Increased team role with Bulls

On February 5, 2026, Matas Buzelis's role in the Chicago Bulls increased after the team traded long-term players.

February 13, 2026: Rising Stars Challenge Win

On February 13, 2026, Matas Buzelis was selected to play for Vince Carter's team during the 2026 Rising Stars Challenge, and his team won the tournament.

February 21, 2026: New career-high in blocks

On February 21, 2026, Matas Buzelis achieved a new career-high by blocking six shots in a game against the Detroit Pistons, though the Bulls lost.

February 24, 2026: New career-high in scoring

On February 24, 2026, Matas Buzelis set a new career-high in scoring with 32 points versus the Charlotte Hornets, although the Bulls lost.

March 10, 2026: Set career-high in points

On March 10, 2026, Matas Buzelis set another career-high by scoring 41 points, leading the Bulls to a victory versus the Golden State Warriors. He became the third Bulls player to score at least 40 points being 21 years old or younger.