Matas Buzelis, a name that might have sparked some curiosity during last year’s NBA Draft, is now becoming synonymous with excitement and potential. As the Chicago Bulls’ rookie forward, the 6’10” starlet has surged into the spotlight, capturing not only the attention of NBA fans with his moves but also making waves in the ever-growing sports card collector community. A recent standout performance against the Los Angeles Lakers—a formidable force in the league—has further accelerated his rise, setting tongues wagging and keyboards clattering in the world of sports commentary and card collection alike.
Last Saturday, Buzelis didn’t just score a career-high 31 points; he orchestrated a compelling narrative on the court, effectively telling the story of why he should indeed be in conversations as one of the most promising picks from the NBA Draft. Perhaps the moment that encapsulated his breakout game and epitomized his potential was a breathtaking play where he swiftly outmaneuvered the defensive prowess of Luka Doncic, finishing it off with a gravity-defying one-handed dunk. The highlight left the arena buzzing with excitement—a sound that reverberated far beyond the stands, trickling into conversations among fans and analysis on sports networks.
Initially selected 11th overall, Buzelis entered the NBA amid a cloud of questions and doubts, yet accompanied by glimmers of elite potential. The questions focused on whether he could convert his potential into consistently impactful play. With the season unfolding, Buzelis is systematically quelling those doubts. His increasing presence on the court, seen through his average playtime jumping to 25.8 minutes per game post-All-Star break, is beginning to pay dividends. He’s currently averaging a commendable 11.9 points per game, alongside 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and just shy of a block per game. As the Bulls pivot towards a more fast-paced, offensive-heavy strategy, Buzelis has become a linchpin in their squad’s evolving dynamics.
The hobby market, renowned for its quick responses to athletic performances, has latched onto Buzelis’s growth with fervor. Data from Card Ladder shows a spike in his rookie card sales—remarkably, 2,731 sales within the first 25 days of March alone. His card market has experienced exponential growth, largely driven by Panini’s 2024-25 Prizm NBA release, with an impressive 18 sales commanding prices exceeding $1,000. This is particularly striking considering his pre-Prizm market, where the most significant transaction was a $700 sale in January for a 2024 Prizm Draft Picks Black Prizm Auto 1/1. Such figures now seem quaint, as two of his cards have recently surpassed the $2,000 threshold: the Panini Prizm Green Shimmer Rookie and the Panini Prizm Snakeskin Auto capturing figures of $2,150 and $2,194.69, respectively.
This meteoric rise places Buzelis among his draft class’s premier talents. Comparatively, while top pick Zacharie Risacher has witnessed a handful of four-figure card sales, and Stephon Castle, a top Rookie of the Year contender, boasts 16 such sales, Buzelis has already tallied 18 high-value transactions. Such statistics underscore how Buzelis, initially overlooked amidst flashier names, is now demanding attention through sheer on-court prowess.
The Chicago Bulls appear to be in the throes of a transformative phase, stepping away from the era defined by veterans DeRozan and LaVine. As this shift unfolds, a new nucleus is emerging, featuring players like Coby White and Josh Giddey as key facilitators. This contemporary framework has allowed Buzelis to emerge as a larger presence on the team. His ability to lead the squad in dunks and his growing comfort in executing plays highlight an evolving confidence that is as captivating visually as it is statistically.
The rookie class this season may not have attracted a whirlwind of hype initially, but Buzelis is quietly establishing himself as a gem of discovery. His combination of athletic prowess, coupled with his height, skill, and versatility, suggests a high ceiling that is still being explored. As he refines his game, both critics and advocates are converging on a consensus about his impressive potential. At just 20 years old, Buzelis emulates a poise and maturity that belies his age, captivating audiences with performances that defy expectations. As his journey unfolds, expect continued buzz—both on the court and in the burgeoning marketplace of sports collectibles.
