In the sprawling world of the NBA, rookies often arrive in a blaze of dynamism and expectation. Each season, fresh faces draw comparisons to the greats that came before them, pegged as the next big thing. Yet, every now and then, the greatest pleasures are hidden in the subtler stories—the ones where perceived underdogs emerge from the shadows and defy expectations. Enter Matas Buzelis, the 11th overall draft pick, who is proving to be quite the illuminating discovery of last year’s NBA Draft.
Towering at a statuesque 6’10”, Buzelis made waves last Saturday with a stupendous performance against the Lakers, racking up a career-high 31 points. It wasn’t just the numbers that thrilled spectators; it was the orchestration of his plays, the crescendo of his athletic prowess, and that electrifying, gravity-defying moment when he sailed past the renowned Luka Doncic for a flashy one-handed dunk that elicited gasps and cheers from fans alike.
Once scrutinized as an enigmatic question mark of potential, Buzelis is now speaking fluently in the language of basketball on the court. Post-All-Star break, his value on the hardwood has exponentially increased. His playing time has surged to an average of 25.8 minutes per game, with solid averages of 11.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and nearly a block each game. The Chicago Bulls’ change in strategy to an uptempo, attack-style approach seems tailor-made for Buzelis, allowing him to flourish as a key contributor.
As Buzelis continues to light up arenas with his performances, another spectacle is unfolding off the court: the frenzy over his trading cards. The collector’s market is indeed heating up, with March alone seeing 2,731 sales of his cards—a staggering rise in popularity that collectors didn’t quite predict before the release of Panini’s 2024-25 Prizm NBA line.
To contextualize the fervor, consider the rarest of gems—his 2024 Prizm Draft Picks Black Prizm Auto 1/1 card, which once sold for a respectable $700. Fast forward to the Prizm NBA release, and the record sales have skyrocketed. Two cards in particular have made jaw-dropping sales: the Panini Prizm Green Shimmer Rookie /5 fetched $2,150, and the Snakeskin Auto /15 card achieved $2,194.69. Such figures once relegated to fantasy are now a thrilling reality for anyone invested in Buzelis’ burgeoning career.
Among his contemporaries, Buzelis’ stock is rising faster than the Chicago skyline. While top pick Zacharie Risacher has seen five four-figure card sales in March, and Alexandre Sarr has one, Stephon Castle, a name often bandied about in Rookie of the Year discussions, has registered 16. Yet, aficionados have snapped up no less than 18 four-figure Buzelis cards—a clear indication of the burgeoning faith in his potential.
Buzelis entered this season without a cascade of publicity; no catwalk of cameras zeroed in on his every move. His entrance was unceremoniously quiet—perhaps an advantage, as expectations are now being exceeded and exceeded again. Performance amidst such modesty can quickly turn whispers into roars.
As the Chicago Bulls transition from the illustrious DeRozan-LaVine era, a new cadre emerges from the annals of the roster. Buzelis’ role grows in prominence thanks to Coby White’s blistering pace and the calculated precision of Josh Giddey’s court wizardry. Each game sees him more assertive, leading the team in dunks and exhibiting steadiness and growth unprecedented for many rookies.
It is a season painted in unpredictables, and for this rookie class, not bedazzled in hype or anticipation, Buzelis may indeed be the brightest beacon of surprise. His mixture of stature, deft skill, and a certain fluidity of motion grants him an elevated ceiling. To see him now is to witness not just his matches but his metamorphosis—a caterpillar leaping into flight.
Sure, Buzelis is raw, still molding, but remember, he’s also only 20 years young. Yet, he has been performing with an elegance and composure that defies his tender age. Game by game, minute by minute, the picture of his potential paints itself bolder—a manic orchestra of potential and kinetic energy. Neither talent scouts nor collectors can divert their attention, caught in the enthralling journey of what could very well be basketball brilliance emerging before their eyes. As anticipation and card value climb parallel trajectories, Buzelis’ future holds a promise brimming with excitement and remarkable potential.
