In a dazzling display of skill, talent, and a hint of moxie, rookie sensation Matas Buzelis is rapidly captivating both the NBA and the collector’s market. Standing at an impressive 6’10”, Buzelis is making waves as one of the standout rookies of last year’s NBA Draft.
Last Saturday, Buzelis dialed up his career-best performance against the Los Angeles Lakers, pouring in a compelling 31 points that electrified the crowd and left spectators in awe. It wasn’t just the impressive numbers that indulged onlookers, but rather the manner in which they were achieved. The scene was set for an unforgettable play as Buzelis charismatically evaded Luka Doncic, soaring to the rim for a powerful one-handed dunk that resonated throughout the arena.
Selected as the 11th overall draft pick, there were whispers of caution accompanying Matas Buzelis’ entry into the league, yet his potential flashed vividly. These murmurs of doubt are now receding as his contributions emphasize his growing value to the Chicago Bulls. Since the All-Star break, Buzelis has seen an uptick in playtime with an average of 25.8 minutes per game, during which he chalks up 11.9 points, pulls down 4.1 rebounds, distributes 1.8 assists, and swats nearly a block per game.
This spirited burst in performance coincides with the Bulls’ adaptation to a dynamic, attacking style of basketball. Buzelis has thrived under this new scheme, proving to be a pivotal element in their revamped lineup.
This surge has not only caught the eyes of on-court fans but has also sent shockwaves through the hobbyist and collector communities. Card enthusiasts are scrambling for pieces of Buzelis’s rookie venture, with March alone witnessing a staggering 2,731 Buzelis card sales as recorded by Card Ladder. Among these, 18 separate transactions reached prices of $1,000 or more, a tantalizing figure for any collector.
Before the dawn of the 2024-25 Panini Prizm NBA release, Buzelis’s collectibles held significant value. His 2024 Prizm Draft Picks Black Prizm Auto 1/1 card fetched a cool $700 in January. Today, that figure has been eclipsed, as his cards, such as the Panini Prizm Green Shimmer Rookie /5 and Snakeskin Auto /15 have soared past $2,000—landing at $2,150 and $2,194.69 respectively.
As Matas Buzelis steadily infiltrates the national spotlight, he’s planting his stake among the top of his draft class. Among his contemporaries, the first pick, Zacharie Risacher, has witnessed five four-figure card sales. Meanwhile, Alexandre Sarr boasts one, and Stephon Castle, a notable contender for the Rookie of the Year title, registers 16 such sales in March. Emerging as a dark horse, Buzelis overshadows with an impressive count of eighteen—and rising.
Despite entering the league without much fanfare, Buzelis’s game speaks volumes now, and the market is playing catch-up. As Chicago bids farewell to the DeRozan-LaVine era, the spotlight shifts, focusing on a new core that features Buzelis at the forefront. Players like Coby White infusing speed and Josh Giddey orchestrating plays have complemented Buzelis, allowing him to flourish as an integral part.
Currently leading the Bulls in dunks, Buzelis’s confidence surges with every game, a beacon to fans and collectors in tune with his value. For a rookie class that initially lacked resonance, he might just emerge as a revelation, casting hindsight on the draft as an outright steal.
Blessed with a harmonious blend of size, skill, and fluidity, Buzelis articulates one of the highest ceilings within his class. As his development trajectory continues its ascent, so does the excitement around his cards, which represent more than just a monetary investment but a stake in the future potential of a burgeoning star.
Though still tendering his prowess at just 20 years old, Matas Buzelis carries an undeniable poise. He has curated performances that simply cannot go unnoticed, leaving both fans and collectors yearning with anticipation of what he will accomplish next.
