The Chicago Bulls' star forward shared his secret about a $10,000 NBA Slam Dunk Contest decision.
Chicago Bulls small forward Matas Buzelis is a poster child for taking a G-League route to the NBA and thriving the entire way, two years into what looks like a promising professional career.
Buzelis found himself in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest last season at the Chase Center in San Francisco, Calif., during which he squared off against eventual champion Mac McClung along with fellow competitors Stephon Castle and Andre Jackson Jr.
Buzelis failed to make the final round as McClung eventually defeated Castle for the championship.
The Bulls' rising young star revealed on a podcast that his experience at the event included making a cool $10,000 business decision.
Feb 15, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Chicago Bulls guard MatasBuzelis(14) competes in the slam dunk competition during All Star Saturday Night ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images Sponsors, Slam Dunks, and Bonus Balls
Buzelis said on 'The Kick Club' podcast that he was approached by AT&T representatives prior to last year's contest who told him he could make an extra $10,000 per dunk by using the company's blue basketballs.
"Let's talk about it. The night before the dinner...Everyone was there, and the AT&T guys walk up to me and were like, 'Yo, you pick up the blue ball and dunk with it, you get ten grand, every time you do it," Buzelis said according to Pro Football Network.
Buzelis missed his first dunk with a regular ball before switching to the AT&T ball.
He didn't expect much because he felt the corporate sponsor's ball lacked elasticity, but was pleasantly surprised as his second dunk attempt was successful.
"I walked out there and did that (expletive) that I hit every time," Buzelis said.
"Nah, I am changing the ball."
McLung Stunt Cemented Buzelis' Decision
Buzelis had thoughts of switching back to a regular ball but changed his mind after watching Mac McClung's incredible feat that ultimately led to the 2025 championship.
"I'm walking off and Mac McClung is going next," Buzelis said.
"He pulled out a Kia and (expletive).
"I'm like, 'I'm picking that blue ball up every time," he said.
McClung won his third consecutive NBA Slam Dunk Contest championship while Buzelis went after the AT&T bonus money.
Buzelis' slam dunk experience led to a strong second half of the season as the Bulls' second-year man finished with 77 games played including 77 starts.
He averaged 16.3 points, 5.8 rebounds and shot over 46% from the field, a rarity for a player in his early 20s.
Buzelis has taken up the mantle of a leadership role with the Bulls, and help is on the way in the form of Caleb Wilson, who could be the NBA's best rookie this season.
Chicago won't make any preseason NBA title favorite lists, but the Bulls have a promising young core that hopes to compete for a different kind of championship in the near future.
