The Chicago Bulls may have missed out on the top pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, narrowly losing the chance to select Duke’s phenom Cooper Flagg due to an unlucky coin toss. However, the Bulls might already have a future superstar in their ranks, one who could rival the likes of Milwaukee Bucks’ legend Giannis Antetokounmpo. That player is none other than Matas Buzelis, the 11th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, who is already drawing bold comparisons and turning heads with his potential.
A Bold Prediction from a Bulls Veteran
Former Bulls player Kendall Gill made waves when he claimed that Matas Buzelis has the potential to surpass Cooper Flagg, widely regarded as one of the most hyped prospects in recent years. While Flagg went to the Dallas Mavericks as the number one pick, Buzelis, selected at 11, is seen by some as a hidden gem who could outshine his draft class counterparts.
Adding fuel to the hype, current Bulls star Ayo Dosunmu, who spent the 2024/25 season playing alongside Buzelis, offered an even more audacious comparison. Speaking to BasketNews, Dosunmu likened Buzelis to Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time NBA MVP and future Hall of Famer. “I know Giannis is a Hall of Famer, top 20, top 30 player,” Dosunmu said, “but Matas has a chance to really dominate the game like that. He’s 6-10, 6-11, and as he continues to get stronger, continues to get in the weight room, he’s only going to get bigger. I think he’s going to continue to grow gradually like that in terms of him being able to finish, rebound, him being able to just dominate the game, and that’s definitely going to show.”
This is extraordinarily high praise for a rookie, especially one who was drafted outside the top 10. Dosunmu’s comments reflect the immense faith that Buzelis’ teammates have in his ability to develop into a transformative force in the NBA.
Buzelis’ Rookie Season: A Promising Start
While Buzelis’ rookie season stats may not yet scream “superstar,” they show a player with significant upside. In his first year with the Bulls, Buzelis averaged 8.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. His impact around the rim, as evidenced by his shooting map, highlights his ability to finish plays effectively and make his presence felt in the paint.
Interestingly, Buzelis’ early numbers draw parallels to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s own rookie season. Selected 15th overall by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013, Giannis averaged just 6.8 points per game in only 23 games during his debut season. It wasn’t until his fourth year in the league, the 2016-17 season, that Giannis broke out, averaging over 20 points per game and establishing himself as a dominant force. This trajectory offers a blueprint for Buzelis, who, at just 20 years old, has plenty of time to develop his game and build on his promising foundation.
The Giannis Comparison: What Makes Buzelis Special?
At 6-10 or 6-11, Buzelis possesses the kind of length and athleticism that make comparisons to Giannis intriguing. Like the “Greek Freak,” Buzelis has the potential to dominate both ends of the floor with his size, versatility, and growing skill set. His ability to finish at the rim and rebound effectively as a rookie suggests he could develop into a multi-faceted player capable of impacting games in multiple ways.
Dosunmu emphasized Buzelis’ potential for growth, particularly as he adds strength and refines his game. “As he continues to get stronger, continues to get in the weight room, he’s only going to get bigger,” Dosunmu noted. This physical development will be key for Buzelis to unlock the kind of dominance that has made Giannis a perennial All-NBA talent.
A Bright Future for the Bulls
The Chicago Bulls may not have landed Cooper Flagg, but in Matas Buzelis, they may have found their own “monster” in the making. With endorsements from teammates like Ayo Dosunmu and former players like Kendall Gill, Buzelis is quickly becoming a player to watch. If he can follow a development path similar to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s, the Bulls could have a franchise cornerstone capable of leading them back to NBA prominence.
For now, Buzelis’ journey is just beginning, but the early signs are promising. With time, dedication, and the right development, Chicago’s hidden gem could indeed become a dominant force in the NBA, living up to the lofty comparisons and perhaps even surpassing them. The Bulls’ future looks bright, and Matas Buzelis might just be the key to unlocking it.