When last year’s NBA Draft rolled around, Matas Buzelis might not have been the dazzling headliner, but he’s now emerging as a real contender for the spotlight. The 6’10” wonder from the Chicago Bulls put on a mesmerizing performance last Saturday, serving as both the Bulls’ wrecking ball and magician against the Lakers. Those watching him dissect the court had to question if cosmic forces were at play or if it was simply the case of a young player finding his perfect rhythm.
To some extent, his breakout isn’t entirely surprising. Buzelis arrived into the league with more questions than answers, yet flashes of his tantalizing potential were evident. The Saturday showdown was a masterclass of athleticism and instinct, culminating in a scene-stealing moment where he zipped past Luka Doncic like a sly fox evading a lumbering bear—a moment sealed with a gravity-defying one-handed dunk that turned what might have been banal basketball into pure brilliance.
Drafted 11th overall, Buzelis has faced skeptics and critics. Yet, since the All-Star break, he’s steadily been crafting his own narrative—one characterized by ever-increasing minutes now averaging 25.8 per game. The key numbers have transformed too, with 11.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and nearly a block on average per game. It’s the storyteller’s dream, with Buzelis flourishing under a refreshed Bulls game plan—one where his presence isn’t merely accepted but celebrated.
And as any young baller’s performance starts burning with heated intensity, the hobby market grips its seat tighter with bated breath, watching and wondering. March’s card sales tell a fascinating side story. Card Ladder’s meticulous tracking recorded a robust 2,731 transactions involving Buzelis’ cards over just 25 days. What once would have been a risky gamble now sees high rollers stepping in with $1,000-plus wagers, a surge sparked by Panini’s highly-coveted 2024-25 Prizm NBA card releases.
Before Prizm’s storm, Buzelis’ most lucrative sale was his 2024 Prizm Draft Picks Black Prizm Auto 1/1 at $700. Fast forward to today, and that figure looks like couch change. Post-Prizm’s entry, two phenomenal sales eclipse this legacy:
– 2024-25 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer Rookie /5 for an astounding $2,150
– 2024-25 Panini Prizm Snakeskin Auto /15 selling for $2,194.69
These figures aren’t just numbers; they’re tales of a rising star whose market appeal is catching fire faster than a prairie blaze.
For die-hard NBA aficionados noting the rookie class, Buzelis’ ascent places him firmly among the draft elite. Contrast that with top pick Zacharie Risacher who springs into March with five four-figure card offloads and Alexandre Sarr with just one. Then there’s Stephon Castle, orbiting Rookie of the Year talks, boasting 16 high-value sales. Yet, catching everyone unawares is Buzelis with 18—and the counter ticks on.
Often, rookies enter the league charioted by fanfare and towering expectations. Buzelis? Not so much. His brilliance on the court whispers louder than any pre-season buzz. Now, as Chicago reboots its basketball narrative, hopefully steering clear from the shadow of the erstwhile DeRozan-LaVine duo, a new chapter is being inked. This chapter has Coby White’s speed and Josh Giddey’s laser-sharp court vision setting the rhythm, leaving room for Buzelis to bloom into his own.
His rookie season is a testament: When the spotlight dims, it’s alright—because Buzelis’ game has enough wattage to shine on its own. Leading the team in dunks and carrying himself with an evolving confidence, a raw but intriguing future lies ahead.
For a rookie from a draft class that didn’t come with overhyped jubilations, Buzelis symbolizes an unpredictable genius, a beacon of surprise. His unique blend of size, skill, and smooth movement sets the stage for a potentially towering career trajectory. If he continues this path, collectors might need to work overtime to keep up with the deluge of demand for his cards.
Far from the deep end, Buzelis is swimming, creating ripples in not just spaces of fandom but in collector’s portfolios too—a promising start to what could be a spectacle filled with many more jumps, hoops, and victories. Young, untamed, yet already etching moments into the annals of sport, both fans and the card world best strap in for the ride.
