Matas Buzelis Saying This About Joining The Dunk Contest Speaks Volumes
During his rookie campaign, Chicago’s team-leader in dunks was invited to participate in the league’s annual dunk contest during the 2025 All-Star Weekend. Despite being a high-flying, athletic wing, Matas Buzelis was somewhat of a letdown. He finished in last place and didn’t complete a successful dunk in his first run. Shortly after that appearance, and sparingly since then, he’s referred to wanting to redeem himself after the abysmal outing. Many assumed that it would come this year, in the 2026 NBA Dunk Contest, and he had been relaying the same message. Here was his official answer, and the reasoning behind it.
Team-First Mentality
Buzelis has been a perfect model of professionalism and maturity from a youngster. One of the most common themes throughout his first two seasons is head coach Billy Donovan’s “tough love” coaching style, constant benching for mistakes, and sporadic performance-based minutes. In the face of adversity, the second-year rising star has always backed his coach, supported his decisions, and embraced the challenge of meeting higher standards.
Buzelis said he felt odd declining dunk contest because, at some point, he wants to redeem himself from last year’s poor showing. But the Heat rescheduled game makes Bulls play 4 in 5 and 5 in 7 and he said he declined to take care of his body/help the team https://t.co/z9VfWykiVL
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) January 27, 2026
Regarding the dunk contest, Buzelis surely wants to participate. He’s leading the team in dunks again this season and takes any opportunity to throw it down with authority. He has added a few posters and highlight-reel slams to his resume this year, and would undoubtedly have a better showing in the dunk contest. Seeing him choose the better route for the team, especially a mediocre team that is not vying for a top spot, is extremely impressive from a young player.
Dunking Machine Will Be Back
Not to worry, Chicago fans: Buzelis will return to the dunk contest in future years. With an unfortunate and extremely rare cancellation earlier this month, the Bulls are now being forced to play a strenuous, draining schedule leading into this year’s break, which made Buzelis’s decision for them. Had it not been for court condensation in the United Center and a canceled game, he would be participating this year. Nonetheless, some of his posters this year have shown that he’s got serious potential when he has the chance to rejoin the contest.
MATAS BUZELIS POSTER MY GOODNESS
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) October 23, 2025
"That might be the dunk of the year."
Matas Buzelis makes his case for slam of the season! https://t.co/bODetJUvLO pic.twitter.com/5OpMnFAMjh
— NBA (@NBA) January 3, 2026
With Chicago preparing to make a playoff push, per the latest trade rumors, a healthy and energized Buzelis will be essential down the stretch. How far can this group go in the postseason?