Matas Buzelis Goes 11th Overall to Chicago Bulls in 2024 NBA Draft
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
With the 11th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Chicago Bulls have officially selected Matas Buzelis. The slide ends here for Buzelis, who was a standout player for G League Ignite. Despite his time in the G League, Buzelis is originally from Chicago, Illinois, and played high school basketball at Hinsdale Catholic, a Chicago suburb. Now, the hometown kid has joined the Bulls organization.
Matas Buzelis was initially projected to go fifth overall to the Detroit Pistons, with odds favoring him at -105 to be a top-five pick. Falling out of the top ten was unexpected, but his selection at 11th overall to the Bulls is still within the lottery range, showing his value remains high.
How excited are the Bulls about this pick? They are undoubtedly thrilled. The situation at USC this year was challenging, but the issues with the G League Ignite team were even more problematic, ultimately leading to the program being shut down.
Buzelis’ season in the G League may not have been stellar, but his potential is undeniable. One aspect that has drawn considerable attention is his defensive upside. Standing at 6’9" with a 6’10" wingspan, Buzelis has the physical tools to become a game-changing defender. His ability to provide weak-side help and his strong foundation make him a valuable asset for the Bulls’ defensive schemes.
While it’s not typical to highlight an all-star for their shot-blocking on weak-side help, Buzelis offers a promising starting point for the Bulls. His defensive skills and physical attributes align well with the team’s needs, making him a great fit for their roster.
The Bulls’ selection of Matas Buzelis at 11th overall is a strategic move that bolsters their roster with a player of significant potential. His journey from a Chicago high school to the hometown NBA team is a story of promise and anticipation for Bulls fans, who will eagerly watch his development in the league.
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