With only 29 games left in the regular season, Buzelis' performance the rest of the way is a top priority for the organization. The Bulls also have some tough decisions to make this summer, so Josh Giddey and Coby White have something to prove.

As the Bulls face an uphill battle with a rebuild, Buzelis provided a glimmer of hope at the United Center on Tuesday night.

Growing up in a family of professional basketball players, Buzelis was taught early that there were no shortcuts — lessons that helped prepare him for his rookie season with the Bulls and coach Billy Donovan.

Chicago Bulls forward Matas Buzelis has his sights set high in the Slam Dunk Contest at NBA All-Star Weekend, and the rookie will be looking to hoist the Dr. J Trophy on Saturday.

Chicago Sports Network analyst Kendall Gill believes the Bulls have already landed their foundational star of the future in 6-foot-9 rookie forward Matas Buzelis.