Matas Buzelis reacts to being drafted by the Chicago Bulls at No. 11, marking his entry as the 16th Lithuanian player in NBA history.
The 19-year-old forward expressed his excitement and gratitude. “I’m blessed, man. This is what I wanted. I wanted to be here. Thank you to the Bulls organization. I’m ready to work, man. I was born for this,” Buzelis said.
Buzelis spent the last season with the G League Ignite, where he averaged 14.3 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.9 assists in 32 minutes per game.
He has committed to playing for the Lithuanian national team but will not participate in the Olympic Qualifying Tournament starting July 2 in Puerto Rico, despite previous hopes.
If Lithuania qualifies for the 2024 Paris Olympics, Buzelis is also expected to miss the event.
Buzelis’ Lithuanian heritage adds to the rich history of Lithuanian players making their mark in the NBA.
