NBA: Detroit Pistons at Chicago Bulls Feb 12, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) shoots against Detroit Pistons forward Ausar Thompson (9) during the first half at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-Imagn Images

Chicago Bulls’ 20-year-old wing named to All-Rookie Second Team

Originally posted on ChiCitySports | By Andy Jachim | Last updated May 20, 2025 2:20 PM ET

The Chicago Bulls had plenty of positive takeaways from this past season despite it ending in a rather sour way in the play-in tournament. They finished with a 39-43 record and lost in their lone game in the play-in tournament at home against the Miami Heat in blowout fashion. The front office have moved off key veterans in the past 12 months like Alex Caruso, Zach LaVine and Demar Derozan, hoping to find some sort of direction.

The results in the standings show that not much has changed with the franchise, but a few younger pieces on the roster off upside for years to come. Their top pick in last summer’s draft was recognized for his play among his peers on Tuesday after playing a much larger role than fans thought he was going to this past season.

Chicago Bulls’ wing Matas Buzelis makes All-Rookie Second Team

Buzelis was officially selected to the All-Rookie Second Team on Tuesday after being the 11th overall pick of the franchise in last summer’s draft. The local product averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game in his first NBA season on 45.4% shooting from the field. Buzelis shot 36.1% from beyond the arc and started in 31 of the 80 games that he played in for Chicago.

Buzelis should have an increased role with the Bulls this upcoming season. He rose the occasion when called upon most of the time as a rookie against some of the league’s best players, and his upside is still tremendous. Buzelis will be involved with the team’s future plans along with Coby White and Josh Giddey, who will be in contract negotiations with the front office this summer.

NBA: Golden State Warriors at Chicago Bulls NBA: Golden State Warriors at Chicago Bulls Feb 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) reacts after making a basket against the Golden State Warriors during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on ChiCitySports and was syndicated with permission.

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