Matas Buzelis, the 21-year-old Lithuanian forward for the Chicago Bulls, is on a mission to redefine his narrative in the NBA. After a solid rookie season where he finished 7th in the Rookie of the Year race, the 11th overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft is determined to prove he’s far more than a highlight-reel dunker. With a relentless work ethic, a sharpened mindset, and innovative recovery tools, Buzelis is poised to elevate his game and become a cornerstone for the Bulls in the 2025-26 season.
In his debut season, Buzelis averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 1 assist in just 18.9 minutes per game across 80 appearances. While these numbers are respectable for a rookie, Buzelis is far from satisfied. “I know how hard I work, and you’ll definitely see a different player. Not exactly a different player, but just sharper,” he said in a recent interview. His focus is clear: consistency, growth, and a bigger impact on both ends of the court.
Buzelis’ athleticism and above-the-rim playstyle drew comparisons to high-flying forwards, but the “dunker” label doesn’t sit well with him. “Put on a show,” he declared when asked about his goals for the upcoming season, hinting at more jaw-dropping dunks but also a broader skill set. Fans can expect a more polished version of Buzelis—one who combines his flair for the spectacular with refined fundamentals.
To elevate his performance, Buzelis has embraced cutting-edge recovery methods, notably a wearable device called Pulsetto. This hands-free, bilateral vagus nerve stimulator has become a key part of his routine, helping him manage the mental and physical demands of an NBA season. “Every time I use Pulsetto, it helps me relax because of the adrenaline rush. You get to sleep quickly, and that helps a lot,” Buzelis explained. The device aids in stress reduction and improves sleep quality, critical factors for maintaining peak performance during a grueling 82-game schedule.
Buzelis credits fellow Lithuanian NBA star Domantas Sabonis for introducing him to Pulsetto. “He’s a big star in the NBA, so him being able to use it helped a lot. I took his guidance on that, and that influenced me a bit,” Buzelis shared. The wearable has given him a mental edge, allowing him to stay calm and focused before games. “It helps me mentally to be relaxed. I’d say I also feel like I have the mental edge out there. That’s all it takes for me to compete,” he added.
Born and raised in Chicago, Buzelis carries the weight of playing for his hometown team with pride. The legacy of Michael Jordan and the Bulls’ championship era looms large, and Buzelis sees it as both an honor and a challenge. “Playing for the Bulls means a lot to me. I’m born and raised here. So it’s bigger than basketball to me. I wanna change the city. I wanna change the people. I want everything in Chicago to be good. I wanna bring championships,” he said passionately.
This mindset, inspired by Jordan’s relentless pursuit of greatness, drives Buzelis to push beyond his current abilities. He’s not just playing for himself but for a city that craves a return to its basketball glory days. His determination to “change the city” reflects a maturity and vision that set him apart from many of his peers.
While Buzelis’ dunks are sure to electrify United Center crowds, he’s working diligently to round out his game. His rookie season showcased flashes of versatility—defensive tenacity, playmaking, and a developing outside shot. However, he knows consistency will be key to shedding the “just a dunker” label. Quietly preparing for the 2025-26 season, Buzelis has been honing his skills, aiming to increase his scoring efficiency, rebounding, and playmaking while maintaining his defensive intensity.
The Bulls see Buzelis as a key piece of their future, and he’s embracing the responsibility. Increased playing time could unlock his full potential, allowing him to showcase the complete skill set he’s been refining. If he can translate his offseason work into on-court production, Buzelis has the tools to become a two-way force and a leader for a franchise looking to climb back into contention.
Matas Buzelis is more than a high-flyer—he’s a young player with the talent, drive, and mentality to become a star. His commitment to growth, both through technology like Pulsetto and a Jordan-esque mindset, signals that he’s ready to take the next step. For Chicago fans, Buzelis represents hope—a hometown kid with the potential to carry the Bulls back to prominence.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, all eyes will be on Buzelis to deliver on his promise of a “sharper” version of himself. If his work ethic and preparation are any indication, the “just a dunker” label will soon be a distant memory. Chicago, get ready—Matas Buzelis is about to put on a show, and it’s going to be about much more than dunks.