In a challenging season for the Chicago Bulls, where playoff hopes faded and viewership plummeted, one name stood out as a beacon of hope: Matas Buzelis. The 2024 No. 11 draft pick earned a spot on the 2025 NBA All-Rookie Second Team, a testament to his electrifying potential. Celebrating the honor with a playful Instagram post featuring teammate Lonzo Ball, Buzelis is proving he’s more than just a rookie—he’s a cornerstone for the Bulls’ future. But what does this accolade mean for him and the Bulls, and can he avoid the uncertain paths of his teammates? Let’s dive into the rise of Matas Buzelis and what it signals for Chicago.

A Bright Spot in a Dim Season

The 2024-25 season was tough for the Chicago Bulls. Missing the playoffs for the seventh time in eight years and losing more viewership than any other NBA team, the franchise faced a crisis of relevance. Amid this gloom, Matas Buzelis emerged as a silver lining. The 19-year-old rookie, selected No. 11 overall in the 2024 draft, brought energy and promise to a struggling team. Averaging 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists with a 54.1% effective field goal percentage and 36.1% from three-point range, Buzelis showed flashes of brilliance. His numbers soared after earning a starting role, posting 13.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game, with a .494/.373/.817 shooting split. His athletic dunks and defensive hustle, like those seen against the Denver Nuggets and Golden State Warriors, made him a fan favorite and a highlight machine.

Buzelis celebrated his All-Rookie Second Team nod with a lighthearted Instagram story, captioning a video of Lonzo Ball shouting, “I’m on top of the world!” The post, shared by Bulls on CHSN, captured his infectious enthusiasm and hinted at the camaraderie building within the young roster. For a team desperate for positive stories, Buzelis’ emergence is a reason to believe in better days.

Joining an Elite Bulls Club

Buzelis isn’t the only Bull to earn All-Rookie honors. He joins teammates Ayo Dosunmu (2021, No. 38 pick), Coby White (2019, No. 7 pick), and Patrick Williams (2020, No. 4 pick) as recent draft picks who’ve made the Second Team. However, their paths highlight the challenges Buzelis might face. White, after a rollercoaster start, solidified his role as a starter in 2023-24 but faces an uncertain future as his contract nears its end. Williams, despite a hefty five-year, $90 million extension, struggles with inconsistency. Dosunmu, a second-round steal, signed a three-year, $21 million deal but was sidelined by a shoulder injury requiring surgery in 2024-25. The last Bull to earn First Team honors, Lauri Markkanen (2017), was traded in 2021 after three more seasons, underscoring the franchise’s struggle to retain and develop talent.

Buzelis’ trajectory could mirror White’s if he avoids similar turbulence. His versatility—shooting, rebounding, and shot-blocking—sets him apart, but staying healthy and consistent will be key. The Bulls’ front office, criticized for past missteps, sees Buzelis as a foundational piece, especially as they rebuild around a young core.

A Roster of All-Rookie Talent

The Bulls’ roster is stacked with All-Rookie Second Teamers, including non-draft acquisitions like Lonzo Ball, Josh Giddey, and Kevin Huerter. As The Athletic’s Jon Greenberg humorously noted, “The Bulls are going to answer the age-old question: What if you built a team out of all-rookie second teamers?” This unique mix raises intriguing possibilities. Could this collection of young, decorated talent gel into a playoff contender? Ball’s playmaking, Giddey’s vision, and Buzelis’ athleticism could form a dynamic core, but the Bulls must navigate injuries and contract uncertainties to make it work. Buzelis, as the newest addition, brings fresh energy to this experiment, with his All-Rookie nod signaling he’s ready to lead the charge.

Challenges and Expectations Ahead

While Buzelis’ rookie season was a success, the road ahead isn’t easy. The Bulls’ history of inconsistent development and roster turnover looms large. White, Williams, and Dosunmu all face uncertain futures, and Buzelis must avoid similar pitfalls. His ability to improve his efficiency and stay healthy will determine whether he becomes a star like White or struggles like Williams. The Bulls’ front office, under scrutiny for missing the postseason again, needs Buzelis to be more than a highlight reel—he must be a consistent performer who elevates the team. With veterans like Ball mentoring him and a fanbase hungry for hope, Buzelis has the stage to shine, but the pressure is on.

Matas Buzelis’ All-Rookie Second Team selection is more than just an accolade—it’s a spark of hope for a Chicago Bulls franchise desperate for a turnaround. His electrifying play, infectious energy, and camaraderie with teammates like Lonzo Ball signal a bright future. Yet, the uncertain paths of teammates like Coby White, Patrick Williams, and Ayo Dosunmu serve as a reminder that talent alone isn’t enough. Can Buzelis rise above the Bulls’ challenges to become the star Chicago needs? As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on this young phenom to see if he can lead the Bulls back to relevance. One thing’s clear: Matas Buzelis is ready to put the league on notice.