Bulls draft Matas Buzelis with No. 11 pick
The Chicago Bulls selected G League Ignite forward Matas Buzelis with the 11th pick in the 2024 NBA Draft on Wednesday.
Buzelis, who was born in Chicago, spent one year with the Ignite after picking the NBA's developmental league over Kentucky, North Carolina, and other college finalists. Alongside another potential lottery pick in Ron Holland, the 19-year-old had an intriguing G League campaign showcasing an improved defensive game while struggling to create against defenders consistently.
Bio
Position: Forward
Club: G League Ignite
Height: 6-foot-9
Weight: 197 lbs
Wingspan: 6-foot-10
Max vertical: 38 inches
2023-24 stats with G League Ignite:
| GP | FG% | 3PT% | FT% | REB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | 44.5 | 27.3 | 67.9 | 6.9 | 1.9 | 14.3 |
Buzelis' defensive versatility along the perimeter as a main or help defender might be more of his calling card in the Association. He remains an intriguing offensive prospect and uses his athleticism as an off-ball cutter to get good looks in the paint and at the rim.
NBA comparable: Andrei Kirilenko. This comparison largely depends on the success of Buzelis' shot in the NBA. If his range doesn't come to fruition, he could be compared to the one-time All-Star. But Buzelis could outplay this projection if he develops his game from deep.