The NBA draft is one of the most enthralling aspects of basketball away from the court. Millions of fans from around the world tune in to check out which teams are making moves for the next upcoming talent to come from the production line. It’s an opportunity for NBA sides to bolster their rosters and push for glory.
One positive move made in last year’s draft was that of Matas Buzelis who was picked up by the Chicago Bulls. The forward has proved to be an inspired signing. This article will look at Buzelis and why he might be the steal of the 2024 draft.
How Does the Draft Work?
The NBA Draft is an event which happens every campaign and enables teams to select eligible players to join their roster and play in the league. There are often two rounds, with a lottery system working out the order for the top 14 teams that did not make the playoffs to make their picks. The selections go in order and teams can then trade their picks which makes for an enthralling evening for all involved, including the spectators watching at home.
For those wagering on the NBA, this is an important night in the calendar. Fans making predictions must take into account the comparison of the providers so that they can find the platform which best suits their needs and preferences. Being aware of the star names and teams is also imperative and so tuning into the NBA draft is a must so that bets can be made from a place of genuine knowledge and authority.
The Story so Far
Matas Buzelis turns 21 in October and hails from Chicago in the state of Illinois. His supreme talent for basketball runs in the family as both his mother and father played professionally in Lithuania before moving to the United States.
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As a youngster, Buzelis also did swimming and gymnastics but basketball was his main pursuit at high school, appearing for Hinsdale Central and the Brewster Academy. Named New Hampshire Gatorade Player of the Year and also selected to play for Team World in the 2022 Nike Hoops summit, he continued to develop at an impressive rate. Transferring to the Sunrise Christian Academy in Bel Aire, Kansas helped him to take the next step.
In 2023, Buzelis signed with the NBA G League Ignite and that season averaged 14.1 points, 1.9 assists and 6.6 rebounds per game. Standing at 6ft 10, Buzelis is one of the best young forwards to come through the ranks and is now playing pro in the NBA.
The 2024 NBA Draft
When it came to the draft in 2024, Buzelis’ move perhaps didn’t make the headlines. He was selected as the eleventh overall pick with teams passing on the forward until he was selected by his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls. It came as a surprise as Buzelis had been projected as a top five pick as his size and recent performances had caught the eye and signaled he had the skill to boost a number of rosters.
It seems the teams who passed on the towering forward made a mistake as he proved his credentials and contributed greatly to the Bulls cause.
It’s proved to be an absolute steal as the towering forward has proved his credentials and continues to shine out on the court for the Bulls. Signing a rookie-scale contract with the team in July 2024, Buzelis has an extremely bright future in the game.
Impressive Performances
The draft pick has actually spurred Buzelis on. Remembering exactly which players were picked ahead of him and the ten teams which passed on him in the draft, acted as a key incentive to push him on and prove the doubters wrong.
The Lithuanian-American has featured in 80 games, starting 31 and recording a brilliant 8.6 points per game. Buzelis has also recorded 3.5 rebounds, one assist, four steals and one block per game. The numbers indicate the youngster is going to get better and better having taken to the NBA with such expertise.
The Right Team
Buzelis feels at home when playing at the United Center and said in April: “Honestly, I couldn’t imagine being anything else than a Bull.
“I love this team. I love the coaching staff, the players, just everything that is involved in being with this team. When I dropped to No. 11, as soon as that happened, yeah, I’m taking it personally. I always play with a chip on my shoulder where I feel like I have to prove something to somebody, even myself.
“But looking back, I think it was the best situation for me, what happened that night.”
Buzelis has enjoyed a fine maiden campaign and already the Bulls have launched a campaign for the player to receive NBA All-Rookie honors. Should he continue this level of form, he will enjoy a career full of awards.
