In the often unpredictable world of the NBA, where hype can dramatically tilt the scales of anticipation around rookies, one player is making waves for all the right reasons and proving to be quite the treasure for collectors and fans alike. Enter Matas Buzelis, an unassuming 6’10” rookie, who has launched himself into the limelight with a series of performances that are making not just Chicago Bulls fans but the entire basketball community sit up and take notice.
Buzelis showcased his burgeoning talent spectacularly last Saturday, igniting the court with a standout performance against the Los Angeles Lakers. It wasn’t just any ordinary win for the Bulls; it was a blowout victory with Buzelis scoring a staggering career-high of 31 points. This wasn’t mere stat padding—his approach, flair, and a certain jaw-dropping moment involving a breezy sprint past Luka Doncic that culminated in an exhilarating one-handed dunk became the highlight of the night and sent the crowd into a euphoric frenzy.
Drafted 11th overall, Buzelis wasn’t the most spotlighted choice. His draft position had been shrouded with questions about his readiness and how he might fit into the demanding NBA landscape. The intrigue lay hidden in glimpses of his elite potential that was evident but sporadic. Recent games, though, suggest a revelation in progress. Post the All-Star break, Buzelis’s court time has seen a significant increase to 25.8 minutes per game—a strategic move that Chicago appears to be reaping the benefits of. His burgeoning stats now boast an average of 11.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and just under a block per game, showcasing not just growth but an evolving player who is as eager to learn as he is to make an impact.
As any basketball purist would attest, the game isn’t just won on the court but in the heart and mind, and Buzelis’s performances are deeply entwined with Chicago’s dynamic shift. Moving away from the days of DeRozan and LaVine, the Bulls seem to be experimenting with a more up-tempo attack mode, one that Buzelis fits into like a piece of an exquisitely crafted puzzle. Coby White’s lighting speed and Josh Giddey’s exceptional court vision have paved the way for Buzelis to assert himself and elevate his role within the team. Currently the team’s leading dunker, he’s only growing more assured with each game played.
Collectors, with a nose for the budding potential, are remarkably quick on the uptake. The hobby market has embraced Buzelis with open arms, and card values are witnessing a windfall. March has been bustling in this regard, with Card Ladder chronicling an astonishing 2,731 sales of cards featuring Buzelis. Preceding the Panini 2024-25 Prizm NBA release, a sale for $1,000 or more was a rarity, almost a myth. But fast forward, and several transactions have leaped beyond that financial milestone. Two of the standout sales include the 2024-25 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer Rookie /5 going for $2,150 and the Panini Prizm Snakeskin Auto /15 fetching $2,194.69. It’s worth noting these figures and sales reflect not just a rookie’s value on the rise but a belief in a career poised for more landmark events.
Comparatively, Buzelis outshines his rookie counterparts—Zacharie Risacher, Alexandre Sarr, and Stephon Castle—consistently bringing in large four-figure card sales. The narrative has shifted dramatically within a few months, from quiet anticipations to loud affirmations of his being one of the steals of the draft.
It’s not often a rookie, especially one who entered the league under the radar, manages to steal scenes both in arenas and the commercial circuits dedicated to the sport. Buzelis is doing precisely that. For the Bulls, his progression marks an optimism accruing around a team in transition but with potential for greatness.
Buzelis’s visage in the NBA isn’t just that of a young, raw player finding his way; it’s a picture of emergent confidence, prowess, and the maturity to grow amidst the trials and tribulations of professional sports. He is only 20, standing tall amid towering expectations but showcasing a consistency and high ceiling that eludes many.
In the tightly interwoven tapestry of sports and collectibles, Matas Buzelis is penning a story of a breakout rookie whose ascent is as thrilling to watch as it is promising for future potentials. With each passing game, collectors find themselves at farms of opportunity, and fans gleefully lap up the spectacle. If there’s truth in the adage “you never forget your first love,” then for many, Buzelis may well become an enduring memory on and off the court.
