Chicago native Matas Buzzelis continues to move forward. The second-year guard for the Chicago Bulls participated in the Rising Stars Game on Friday to kick off NBA All-Star Weekend. In the process, Bouzelis has long-term All-Star aspirations.
Derrick Rose's desire to go far can be attributed to seeing his jersey retired by the Bulls. According to SiriusXM NBA Radio, during All-Star weekend, Bouzelis reflected on the ceremony and what it meant to him.
“It really put more motivation in my mind,” Buzzellis said.
“It really put more motivation in my mind.”
Bulls forward Matas Buzelis shares what it meant to him to see Derrick Rose's jersey retirement.
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- SiriusXM NBA Radio (@SiriusXMNBA) 14 February 2026
Rose had his jersey retired after the Bulls' game against the Boston Celtics on January 24. He is one of four other Chicago players to receive this honor. The others were Michael Jordan, Scottie Pippen, Jerry Sloan and Bob Love.
Currently, Bouzelis is at a point where he is making his mark. Of course, he's still adjusting to a new dynamic after the Bulls traded seven players during the trade deadline. Those players included Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu and Nikola Vucevic, all of whom played important roles in mentoring Buzzellis in his freshman year.
Right now, the Bulls are 24-31 and in the midst of a six-game losing streak. Also, they have lost 9 of their last 10 matches.
Currently, Bouzelis is averaging 15.2 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. Buzzellis attended Hinsdale Central High School in the Chicago suburb of Hinsdale for his freshman and sophomore years.
Rose is a native of Englewood. NBA All-Star Weekend will conclude with the All-Star Game on Sunday.
Next, the Bulls will return to action on Thursday, February 19 against the Toronto Raptors.
