The Chicago Bulls have found a rising star in Matas Buzelis, a 6’10” rookie who is quickly proving to be one of the most exciting talents to emerge from last year’s NBA Draft. Drafted 11th overall, Buzelis was somewhat of an enigma entering the league, a player with undeniable potential clouded by questions about how he would adapt to the professional level. But as the 2024-25 season unfolds, that fog is lifting, revealing a young player brimming with promise and possibility.
Last Saturday, Buzelis took center stage in a thrilling blowout triumph over the Los Angeles Lakers. He stunned both fans and critics by scoring a career-high 31 points. The numbers on the scoreboard told the story of his breakout performance, but it was the sheer spectacle of it all that truly captivated those tuning in. One electrifying moment, in particular, stood head and shoulders above the rest: Buzelis blazing past none other than Luka Doncic, soaring through the air with effortless grace, and finishing with a one-handed dunk that left spectators buzzing — and the highlights replayed for days.
Emerging as a pivotal player for the Bulls, Buzelis has seen increased responsibilities since the All-Star break, with his minutes per game climbing to nearly 26. He’s currently averaging 11.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and just under a block per game, integrating seamlessly into an up-tempo, attacking style that benefits his natural prowess.
Such fiery performances haven’t gone unnoticed in the collector’s sphere. The card hobby market has responded with enthusiasm, surging alongside Buzelis’s meteoric rise. In the first 25 days of March alone, Card Ladder recorded an impressive 2,731 transactions of Buzelis cards. Among these sales, 18 crossed the $1,000 threshold, a financial feat that scarcely trembled on the radar prior to Panini’s 2024-25 Prizm NBA release.
This release significantly buoyed Buzelis’s card valuations. Prior, his most lucrative sale was a $700 transaction for a 2024 Prizm Draft Picks Black Prizm Auto 1/1. But with Prizm NBA now in play, two of his items have already shattered the $2,000 mark. His Panini Prizm Green Shimmer Rookie card, limited to just five copies, fetched $2,150. Meanwhile, the Panini Prizm Snakeskin Auto, numbered out of fifteen, garnered $2,194.69 — staggering figures that indicate a rapidly maturing market for his memorabilia.
In the broader context of his draft class, Buzelis’ name is increasingly mentioned alongside the top achievers. Zacharie Risacher, the first overall pick, has seen five four-figure card sales in March, while Alexandre Sarr achieved one. Meanwhile, Stephon Castle, a significant Rookie of the Year contender, has 16 such sales to his name. And Buzelis? An impressive tally of eighteen—and counting.
The allure of Buzelis extends beyond just numbers; it’s a testament to his unexpected rise from relative obscurity. Entering the season lacking the pedigree and spotlight that shadowed his peers, Buzelis has let his gameplay speak volumes, swiftly capturing the market’s attention. As the Bulls strategically transition away from the veteran duo of DeMar DeRozan and Zach LaVine, the new guard, including headliner Coby White’s rapid pace and Josh Giddey’s meticulous court commands, stands to benefit from Buzelis carving out his niche within this budding core.
Buzelis leads the team in dunks, consistently appearing more self-assured with each passing game. His potential is tantalizing; for a draft cohort not lauded widely, he might yet prove the ultimate surprise package. The harmonious blend of stature, skill, and fluidity, oddly refined yet unmistakably raw at age 20, hints at an elevated potential ceiling. Should his growth persist along current trajectories, the enthusiasm around his cards is poised only to amplify.
Matas Buzelis is a phenomenon in the making. His performances are etching a narrative that basketball pundits, collectors, and fans alike are swiftly transitioning from curiosity to fervor. His cards, searing hot and climbing in value, echo the buzz his on-court feats generate—a blend of youth and tenacity that promises an exciting future for the Chicago Bulls and collectors worldwide.