The Chicago Bulls are showcasing their talent on the court, and with the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend approaching, the buzz around various players’ participation in events is growing. Among the anticipated competitions are the skills contest, dunk contest, and the 3-point contest. One promising Bulls player, Matas Buzelis, has been invited to participate in the dunk contest but has decided to decline the opportunity this year.
Buzelis, the Bulls forward, confirmed his decision on Monday, stating, “I’m trying to listen to my body. Hopefully, I get invited again another year because I would love to do it.” This sentiment reflects an optimistic outlook for his future participation in the dunk contest, suggesting that, despite this year’s decline, he remains eager to showcase his talents in subsequent seasons.
The decision comes amid significant scheduling challenges for the Bulls. The team has experienced a change in their game calendar, with a postponed match against the Miami Heat pushing four games into a five-day span after the All-Star break, including three consecutive matchups against the Heat. Although Buzelis will be competing in the Rising Stars Game, stepping back from the dunk contest allows for a more manageable workload during a tight schedule.
Buzelis has been enjoying a strong second season in the NBA, averaging 14.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 0.7 steals over 27.8 minutes per game. His shooting has been effective, boasting a shooting split of 47.6% from the field, 35.8% from three, and 77.6% from the free-throw line through 46 games. With several games left before the All-Star break, Buzelis can still take part in the weekend’s festivities while prioritizing his health.
As the Bulls focus on their gameplay and roster decisions, fans remain hopeful for Buzelis’s continued growth and potential future appearances in All-Star events. The Chicago Bulls continue to be a team to watch as they navigate the remainder of the season, while also engaging their fanbase with exciting developments off the court.