In a league bursting at the seams with raw, untapped potential, Matas Buzelis is making a compelling case as one of the most promising stars on the horizon. The young Chicago Bulls sensation didn’t just gradually ease into the NBA; he announced his presence with a booming echo that resonated from courtside seats to collectors’ shelves. Only a few months into his tenure, Buzelis is quickly crafting a narrative of underdog triumph that’s capturing attention and commanding respect.
Standing at an impressive 6’10”, Buzelis is a towering testament to power combined with grace on the hardwood. This past Saturday, he etched his name into the eager minds of NBA fans and analysts alike with a jaw-dropping 31-point performance that not only helped secure a dominating victory over the storied Los Angeles Lakers but also showcased a level of skill and finesse that put many seasoned players to shame. His dazzling display included an unforgettable moment where he left the usually nimble Luka Doncic in his wake before soaring for a gravity-defying one-handed dunk, a play that became the inevitable talking point from an evening of many highlights.
Selected 11th overall in last year’s NBA Draft, Buzelis entered the league shrouded in both skepticism and awe. His physical attributes and flashes of potential were undeniable, yet questions lingered about his ability to translate those traits into tangible success against the league’s elite. However, as the season has evolved, so too has Buzelis. Since the All-Star break, his contributions have significantly amplified, bolstered by a solid increase in playing time, averaging just shy of 26 minutes a game. His production has been consistent and often spectacular, averaging 11.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and demonstrating a knack for defensive disruption with just under a block per game. The Bulls’ emergent style of play—a more dynamic, attack-oriented approach—has provided Buzelis the perfect platform to thrive.
In parallel to Buzelis’ on-court rise, a ripple effect has rapidly permeated through the hobby market, illustrating how his plays are not just generating buzz, but also lucrative opportunities for collectors. By March’s close, Card Ladder reported an astounding 2,731 card sales related to Buzelis, with over a dozen transactions surpassing the $1,000 mark—a stark contrast to the previous, more restrained market activities surrounding his earlier cards. The release of Panini’s 2024-25 Prizm NBA has further ignited fervor around his cards, with two standout sales comfortably eclipsing the $2,000 threshold—the 2024-25 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer Rookie out of five and the ultra-rare Panini Prizm Snakeskin Auto out of fifteen.
Buzelis’ rapid ascent within the hierarchy of his rookie class is noteworthy. Among his contemporaries, Zacharie Risacher, the top pick, has had five significant four-figure card sales, trailing behind Stephon Castle’s impressive 16. Meanwhile, Buzelis has already hit 18 major sales and is gaining ground swiftly — a testament to the growing belief in his potential and future stardom.
Adding another narrative layer, Buzelis’ rise is contributing to a transformative era for the Chicago Bulls, as the team gradually pivots from the DeRozan-LaVine dynamic towards building a new vanguard. With players like Coby White bringing speed and Josh Giddey offering exceptional vision, Buzelis has found his niche, particularly thriving in attacking, fast-paced situations. He currently leads the team in dunks and his on-court demeanour exudes an enriched confidence with each game.
For a rookie cohort that initially lacked widespread anticipation, Buzelis stands out as a burgeoning surprise, akin to a diamond emerging unscathed from the pressurized depths. His combination of size, skill, and raw, yet increasingly refined, talent could ultimately make him one of the standout stories of the draft, provided his developmental trajectory remains steep.
At just 20 years old, Buzelis is an intriguing blend of youth and raw capability, his poise belaying his tenure in professional basketball. Collectors and fans alike are finding it increasingly difficult to avert their gazes, watching eagerly as he polishes his craft and redefine expectations. Amidst the lofty expectations and inherent unpredictability of a rookie’s journey through the NBA, Matas Buzelis is not simply navigating the tumultuous waters; he’s making waves, and the sports world is taking notice.