In a world where talent is often overshadowed by hype, there’s a rookie who’s quietly crafting a name for himself in the NBA universe. Meet Matas Buzelis, the Chicago Bulls’ young upstart, who is turning heads and elevating his game to levels few expected so soon. As the dust settles from the NBA Draft, it seems the Bulls’ 11th overall selection may very well be one of the best bargains, and card collectors are taking keen notice.
Standing a towering 6’10”, Buzelis isn’t just bringing height to the court; he’s also delivering a crescendo of excitement, athleticism, and finesse. His talents were on full display last Saturday when he posted an astonishing 31 points during the Bulls’ emphatic victory over the Lakers. But it was more than just the numbers that stirred the fans’ enthusiasm—it was the artistry of his gameplay. A memorable play involved Buzelis breezing past Luka Doncic, who is often a defensive challenge, only to soar for a one-handed dunk that electrified the arena.
The journey for Buzelis hasn’t been without skepticism. Entering the league amid a mist of doubts and what-ifs, his potential was unmistakable, yet unrealized. Fast forward to today, and his performances are the best rebuttal to those early uncertainties. The player statistics since the All-Star break tell a compelling story; he’s logging in 25.8 minutes per game, recording averages of 11.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, along with formidable defensive prowess that is almost averaging a block per game. This formidable rookie has capitalized on the Bulls’ new, vigorous playing style.
With Buzelis making waves on the court, the ripple effect has reached the collector’s circle. Card enthusiasts are swiftly adjusting to the awakening of this giant. In just the first few weeks of March, the marketplace witnessed over 2,700 card sales tracked by Card Ladder, encompassing 18 transactions exceeding $1,000, an anomaly before Panini’s 2024-25 Prizm NBA cards were released. In the pre-Prizm era, his top card— a 2024 Prizm Draft Picks Black Prizm Auto 1/1—fetched $700. The tables have turned spectacularly. Recently, two specific cards shattered the $2,000 barrier:
– 2024-25 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer Rookie /5, commanding $2,150
– 2024-25 Panini Prizm Snakeskin Auto /15, priced at $2,194.69
Buzelis is rapidly positioning himself among his draft day peers. March saw top picks such as Zacharie Risacher and Alexandre Sarr witnessing high-value sales, yet Buzelis is eclipsing them all with eighteen four-figure card sales. His understated entry into the season has swiftly morphed into a narrative where his court prowess is doing all the necessary publicity, and his market value is rising in tandem.
As the Chicago Bulls transition from the days of DeRozan and LaVine, a burgeoning nucleus is emerging. Assisted by the dynamic playstyles of Coby White and Josh Giddey, Buzelis has embraced an expanded role, routinely treating fans to memorable moments. Despite his rookie status, he confidently leads the team in dunks, his poise growing with every encounter.
For a class that generated minimal pre-season excitement, Buzelis is emerging as a fascinating anomaly—a blend of height, talent, and surprising excellence. The ceiling for his potential seems limitless, and as he continues to hone his skills, the buzz in the collector and fan community alike is poised to amplify further.
He may still be a raw talent, but at only 20 years old, Matas Buzelis is exemplifying poise well beyond his years, class with each statistic, and growing affinity among fans. For collectors and basketball enthusiasts, he’s become a subject of interest that’s hard to ignore. With each game, he’s not just scoring points for Chicago—he’s crafting an unexpected saga of talent that’s started to rival even the loftiest pre-season predictions.
The allure of Matas Buzelis is one that richly intertwines his natural gifts with a relentless drive. As fans and collectors root from both the stands and bidding platforms, there’s a mutual hope to ride along with Buzelis on what promises to be a compelling journey.
