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Why Billy Donovan is celebrating Matas Buzelis snubbing Dunk Contest
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Why Billy Donovan is celebrating Matas Buzelis snubbing Dunk Contest appeared first on ClutchPoints . Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
Earlier this week, Chicago Bulls guard Matas Buzelis rejected an invitation to compete in the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. A move that may come as a surprise to some because of his lineage of viral dunks this season .
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However, it was a decision wholeheartedly welcomed by head coach Billy Donovan , per Joe Cowley of The Chicago Sun-Times.
"It was obviously his decision; I wasn't involved," Donovan said.
Overall, Donovan has been noticing a change in Buzelis's approach to the game. As a result, he appreciates his growth and the sense of responsibility that comes with it.
"I do know from this standpoint just being around him, physically and mentally it's been a lot on him this year", Donovan said.
"I don't think any different from any player. It's just his age, the role change, the responsibility change, all that stuff. I give him credit that he's got to make decisions that he feels are best for him going forward."
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Buzelis, 21, is in his second full season with the Bulls. He's averaging 14.9 points and 5.3 rebounds. On Wednesday, Buzelis scored 20 points and grabbed eight rebounds in Chicago's 113-110 loss to the Indiana Pacers .
Overall, he has become a vital presence in the Bulls' offense as a starter. His run-and-gun style of play has done wonders for him, especially playing alongside Josh Giddey .
Earlier in the season, Donovan said that Buzelis has "not arrived" in reference to his talent and maturation aligning.
Last year, Buzelis competed in the Slam Dunk Contest , but didn't make it past the first round.
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However, he will be competing in his second straight NBA Rising Stars game on Feb.13. The NBA All-Star Weekend is Feb. 13 to 15 in Los Angeles .
Related: Coby White refuses to say the Bulls must add talent at trade deadline as rumors swirl
Related: NBA rumors: Bulls asked Celtics about Nikola Vucevic-Anfernee Simons swap earlier in season
