Last Updated on April 15, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
Matas Arvidas Buzelis is a Lithuanian-American professional basketball player known for his versatility and skill set.
Player Profile
- Full Name: Matas Arvidas Buzelis
- Nationality: Lithuanian / American
- Date of Birth: October 13, 2004
- Hometown: Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Height: 6 feet 10 inches (208 cm)
- Weight: 209 pounds (95 kg)
- Wingspan: 7 feet 2 inches (218cm)
- Shoe Size: Size 17 (US)
- Position: Small Forward
- Jersey Number: 14
- High School:
- Hinsdale Central High School (Hinsdale, Illinois)
- Brewster Academy (Wolfeboro, New Hampshire)
- Sunrise Christian Academy (Bel Aire, Kansas)
- Professional Path:
- Opted to forgo college basketball
- Joined NBA G League Ignite for the 2023–2024 season
- NBA Draft: Selected 11th overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 2024 NBA Draft
- Teams Played For:
- NBA G League Ignite (2023–2024)
- Chicago Bulls (2024–present)
- Windy City Bulls (2024–2025, on assignment)
- Achievements:
- NBA G League Next Up Game: 2024
- McDonald’s All-American: 2023
- Jordan Brand Classic: 2023
- Nike Hoop Summit: 2022
- Gatorade Kansas Boys Basketball Player of the Year: 2022–2023
- Family:
- Parents:
- Father: Aidas Buzelis, a former professional basketball player in Lithuania
- Mother: Kristina Jankauskaitė, also a former basketball player in Lithuania
- Siblings:
- Sister: Sophia Buzelis, a collegiate lacrosse player at Furman University
- Brother: Vincas Buzelis, an emerging basketball player
- Children: None
- Parents:
Player Archetype / Play Style
Matas Buzelis’ player archetype is that of a tall shot-creating forward, blending point-forward instincts with the size and fluidity of a modern combo wing. Defensively, he projects as a versatile helper more than a bruising interior anchor, using his timing, agility, and length to contest shots at the rim, rotate across the lane, and stay attached on the perimeter when switched onto wings. Offensively, his role is rooted in complementary creation: he can handle in space, attack closeouts, finish above the rim, move in transition, and make connective passes, while also offering some spot-up value even though his jumper has been viewed as more promising than fully polished. Physically, Buzelis stands out for his near 6-foot-10 size, smooth coordination, and mobile athleticism, giving him the look of a big wing rather than a traditional forward. Overall, his play style is built on versatility and upside, with his best stretches coming when he is slashing, pushing the ball, making quick reads, and using his defensive instincts to impact multiple areas of the floor. (NBADraft.net)
Fun Facts
- Matas Buzelis was originally expected to be one of the top picks in the 2024 NBA Draft; however, he was a late lottery pick. The Bulls have referred to Buzelis as their only untouchable player, without so much as mentioning Josh Giddey, who had a very good 2024-25 season and looks to me as being a future NBA star capable of being a multiple-time All-Star. Rather than Giddey taking offense to that, it’s probably a testament to how highly the Bulls value Buzelis; they could be looking at him as a number 1 overall pick who somehow fell to them.
- Matas Buzelis wasn’t featured in his 6th-grade basketball team; he was on the bench during games. Buzelis didn’t like basketball at that age and was more focused on swimming.
Sources:
NBADraft.net — Matas Buzelis
NBA.com — Matas Buzelis – NBA 2024 Draft Prospects
NBA Draft Room — Matas Buzelis
RealGM — Matas Buzelis Player Profile, Chicago Bulls
March 16, 2026 @ 3:01 pm
The Chicago Bulls’s GM Marc Eversley said that the only player on their roster who is untouchable is Matas Buzelis. That’s high praise for Buzelis since he had hardly pieced together any strong games in the NBA before they said that. Since the Bulls said that, he has gotten more minutes and has been quite productive. If I judge Buzelis’s production on the court and what the Bulls said about him when they did, I can only assume that Buzelis works hard and puts in a lot of time in the Bulls’s practice facility, The Advocate Center, which is giving them the impression that he is going to be their best player. I caution against this modern-day understanding of basketball. Lewis Hamilton is famous for not spending much time with F1 when he’s not at the track and credits getting away from it for his success. Everyone is different. My favorite player on the Bulls roster currently is Josh Giddey. I would feel disrespected by what the Bulls said if I were Giddey.