Matas Buzelis Prepares for NBA All-Star Dunk Contest

CHICAGO, Ill. — Chicago Bulls rookie forward Matas Buzelis is gearing up to showcase his dunking prowess in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest on February 17, part of the All-Star Weekend festivities taking place in San Francisco.

Known for his electrifying dunks during games, Buzelis is entering the spotlight of the dunk contest where expectations soar higher than his vertical leap. The event requires contestants to prepare four dunks, and Buzelis, who has already made a name for himself with his acrobatic feats this season, is aiming to exceed expectations.

“I’m not going there to lose,” Buzelis said. “Winning is more fun than anything else.” His competitor lineup includes other high-flyers, such as San Antonio Spurs’ Stephon Castle and Milwaukee Bucks’ Andre Jackson Jr. This contest provides a unique platform for Buzelis to distinguish himself on a national stage.

Preparing for the contest is no easy task. Buzelis must strategize his dunks to ensure strong performances in both the first and championship rounds. “I have the skills; it’s just about putting something creative together,” he said. “It’s important to balance creativity with strategic execution.”

To aid his preparations, Buzelis has sought guidance from former teammate Zach LaVine, a two-time Dunk Contest champion. “He can do a couple of things that I don’t think a lot of people can do,” LaVine said about Buzelis. The duo has reviewed clips and brainstormed ideas to help Buzelis solidify his dunk portfolio.

In addition to LaVine’s insights, Buzelis is working with Chuck Milan, the NBA’s official dunk coach, known for mentoring past champions. “I just needed that to see what more I can do,” Buzelis noted. After years of successful coaching, Milan sees the potential in Buzelis to create unique dunks that captivate the audience.

Milan emphasized the need to focus on execution. “Don’t overthink it; just be yourself,” he advised Buzelis. “His creativity is his greatest asset. Dunks today are so much harder than they were even 10 or 20 years ago.”

Historically, the dunk contest has evolved, now demanding innovative moves that blend creativity with athleticism. Buzelis is aware of the pressure but remains unfazed. “You can just tell he’s got a certain swag about him,” Milan said, praising Buzelis’ confidence.

Buzelis hopes to make his mark not only as a participant but as a creator of a never-before-seen dunk during the contest. “You’ll just have to watch,” he teased during an interview. This year’s dunk contest marks the first time since 2007 that a Bulls player has competed, making Buzelis’ involvement significant not just for him but for the franchise’s history.

As the contest nears, Buzelis embodies the excitement and anticipation characteristic of NBA All-Star Weekend. His evolution as a player symbolized by participation in both the Dunk Contest and the Rising Stars Game, prepares him for a weekend full of potential moments that could ignite his career.