Matas Buzelis is an NBA All-Rookie Team selection. On May 20, the NBA announced the 20-year-old forward as a member of the All-Rookie Second Team—a tremendous achievement for Buzelis after not earning a solidified spot in the Chicago Bulls’ rotation until late January.

Buzelis earns a spot on the All-Rookie Second Team

The 11th overall pick averaged 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 1.2 three-pointers per game. Buzelis appeared in 80 contests, botching 31 starts. The 6-foot-10 forward converted 45.4 percent of his field goals, 36.1 percent of his three-pointers, and 81.5 percent of his free throws.

Joining Buzelis on the All-Rookie Second Team are Miami Heat center Kel’el Ware, New Orleans Pelicans center Yves Missi, Portland Trail Blazers center Donovan Clingan, and Washington Wizards guard Bub Carrington.

Besides receiving Rookie of the Year votes and landing on the All-Rookie Second Team, Buzelis competed in the NBA Dunk Contest amid All-Star Weekend. Although Buzelis didn’t win the event, he was granted an opportunity to showcase his elite athleticism on a national stage as he represented the Bulls in the Dunk Contest for the first time in nearly 20 years.

Following Buzelis’ placement on the All-Rookie Second Team, Chicago has now seen four of its players be anointed an All-Rookie Second Teamer this decade. Coby White was selected to the second team in 2020, Patrick Williams in 2021, and Ayo Dosunmu in 2022.

Unlike top 10 draft picks White and Williams, Buzelis’ strong second-half surge, similar to Dosunmu’s, landed him on the All-Rookie Second Team. Buzelis averaged less than 7.0 points per game in October, November, December, and January.

The 20-year-old turned it up a notch in February, averaging 12.8 points and ultimately assuming the starting forward role. Buzelis’ upped his points per game average to 13.7 in March, before totaling 13.4 points in April. The 11th overall pick’s plus/minus improved mightily from February onward. In his first month as a starter, Buzelis was a minus-11.6. He finished his rookie campaign as a plus-10.4 in April.

Although Buzelis’ progression was far from linear, his spot on the All-Rookie Second Team is a testament to his attitude, demeanor, and work ethic. No matter his spot in Donovan’s rotation, the 20-year-old remained ready and made the most of his chances. He continued to improve and actively sought direction and constructive criticism amid his inaugural campaign.

Chicago’s decision to use its 11th overall pick on Buzelis, who flashed awe-inspiring potential, yet struggled with inefficiency suiting up for the now-defunct G-League Ignite team, is now one step closer to being declared one of the better decisions in the undervalued 2024 NBA Draft.