The 2024-25 NBA All-Rookie first and second teams were announced on Tuesday, with 10 first-year players earning the honor. Spurs’ Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle received a unanimous selection, and Hawks’ number one draft pick Zaccharie Risacher received 99 of 100 votes for the All-Rookie First Team. Wizards’ Alex Sarr and the Grizzlies’ pair of rookies Zach Edey and Jaylen Wells rounded out the remaining first-team selections.
Matas Buzelis secured an All-Rookie Second Team nomination by receiving the seventh most votes of all rookies. He received a total of 15 first-team votes and 67 second-team votes. Along with Matas, Kel’el Ware of the Heat, Pelicans’ Yves Missi, Blazers’ Donovan Clingan, and Wizards’ Bub Carrington also earned nominations to the second team.
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Matas Buzelis All-Rookie Selection Signals a Bright Future
Matas’ rookie season got off to a slow start, as he began the season on a frustrating minutes restriction. For the first 47 games of the season, Matas averaged just 13.3 minutes per game. These 47 games also saw Matas’ recording disappointing statistical averages of 5.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game.
However, once Zach LaVine was traded to the Kings, things quickly turned around for Matas. In the last 33 games of the season, Matas’ average minutes doubled to 26.9 per game. His stats skyrocketed in nearly every category, as he averaged 13.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game from February to April. As an inside scorer, rebounder, playmaker, and defender, Matas contributes in multiple ways. Crucially, Matas’ all-around skill set gives him immense potential.
Matas put his name on the national media’s radar with a star-studded performance on Feb. 4. Just two games after LaVine was traded to Sacramento, Matas shot a perfect 100% from the field against the Heat. Matas scored 24 points by sinking all 10 buckets without shooting any free throws to help lead the team to a 133-124 victory.
Some other highlight performances for Matas this year include his career-high 31 points against the Lakers and his first-ever double-double against the Blazers. In a 146-115 blowout of the Lakers on the road, Matas shot 12-for-18 to score 31 points on Mar. 22. When facing the Blazers two weeks later, Matas recorded 12 points and 12 total rebounds for his first double-double in a 118-113 victory. The upside Matas displayed is an extremely promising sign for the Bulls. He is poised to be a central part of the Bulls’ future and could blossom into a star.
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Matas showed flashes of stardom once given the freedom of a full rotation. His second-team nomination caps off a successful and promising rookie season by earning some recognition for his play. With Chicago looking to center their rebuild around Matas, there is nowhere for him to go but up. It will be crucial for the front office to prioritize Matas’ development this offseason by making necessary changes to the roster and coaching staff. Overall, Matas showed enough promise this season to be considered a franchise-building block.
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