The Chicago Bulls have not been a winning franchise in the last few seasons, and maybe in trades, too, but they could be on their way there. Maybe they will be carried by rookie Matas Buzelis who according to Ayo Dosunmu has the making of a Giannis Antetokounmpo.
USATSI 25908170
Apr 11, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis (14) dunks the ball against the Washington Wizards during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Dosunmu made a huge leap and compared his teammate to the Milwaukee Bucks great who basically won everything in the NBA (hasn’t won Sixth Man of the Year).
Buzelis, the 11th pick in the 2024 draft, was All Rookie Second Team this season and has been noted for his wide range of offensive arsenal.
“I know Giannis is a Hall of Famer, top 20, top 30 player [all time], but Matas has a chance to really dominate the game like that,” Dosunmu said as quoted by Serbian website Merdian Sport.
“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.”
Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago Bulls
Feb 28, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Ayo Dosunmu (11) is seen during a game against the Toronto Raptors at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Dosunmu acknowledged the Greek Freak’s great and he believes Buzelis is in that trajectory.
“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,” he stated.
Matas Buzelis’ similarity with Giannis Antetokounmpo
Dosunmu might not be going out on a limb here with his take if the comparison will be with rookie Giannis.
Just like Buzelis, Antetokounmpo finished his first season as part of the All-Rookie Second Team. Buzelis might have not made a lot of noise at the start of the season but he made a strong finish and put up his own highlight reel worthy to go viral.
He recorded his career high of 31 points on March in win against the Los Angeles Lakers.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks, Bucks news
Mar 24, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Footprint Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
He also has the size just like what his teammates said. He is 6’10, an inch taller than what Giannis was in his rookie year.
Another similarity he has with Giannis is him being from Europe where their brand of basketball emphasized team football. Antetokounmpo was once a point forward and showed that again at the end of the regular season while they were waiting for Damian Lillard.
Buzelis, however, still need to hone his playmaking skills.
For more great Wisconsin sports content
Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for the latest and trending news about Packers, Brewers, Bucks, Marquette, and the rest of Wisconsin Sports. Stay updated by reading more of our Wisconsin Sports articles by clicking here and college basketball by clicking here!