One of the only things the Chicago Bulls front office has been praised for this offseason was the selection of Matas Buzelis with the 11th pick of the 2024 Draft.
Buzelis was mocked in the top-five for most of the pre-draft process, so many thought the Bulls got a steal when he fell into their laps.
Buzelis increased the buzz with a strong Summer League performance. He’s confident in his abilities, thinks he’s the best rookie and would bet on himself in the Rookie of the Year race.
Is he right to be confident?
Will Matas Buzelis be in the running for Rookie of the Year?
The Bulls rookie certainly has a chance. He’s a project, but comes into the league with two-way ability and highlight-reel dunks that are sure to get him some attention, especially if he shoots a decent clip from long range.
He’s not likely to be in the starting lineup right away, but that could and likely will change as the season progresses, the Bulls make a few trades and Buzelis gets a bump on the depth chart.
It also wouldn’t be shocking to see him outplay Patrick Williams early on and take his starting spot, so Buzelis should get his minutes next season which will help his chances at Rookie of the Year.
He’s still a long shot, but it wouldn’t be shocking given that this draft class didn’t have a consensus star.
But Buzelis didn’t get much love in a recent ESPN survey of NBA executives, coaches and scouts.