In the realm of the NBA, where legends are made and rookie dreams can shatter or take flight, Matas Buzelis is fast becoming a name that’s echoing through both arenas and trading card forums alike. The 6’10” dynamo unleashed a monster game that not only shifted the perception of his rookie class standing but also ignited a frenzy in the collector’s market.
Buzelis, drafted 11th overall, was not always seen as the sure bet in his cohort. Questions loomed over his NBA potential even as glimmers of brilliance hinted at what could be. Those questions are now starting to be firmly answered with actions on the hardwood. Last Saturday, against the storied franchise of the Los Angeles Lakers, Buzelis turned the court into his personal showcase. Dropping an exciting career-high of 31 points, it wasn’t merely the numbers that astounded but the breathtaking playstyle he exhibited.
On a night where defense strategies fell short against him, Buzelis’s explosive play was highlighted by a sensational one-handed dunk over the famed Luka Doncic. It was a transcendent moment that seemed to announce his arrival, not just as another player in the NBA but as a potential star. The arena responded with a wave of energy, a chorus of excitement which reverberated far beyond the game.
As Buzelis blossoms on Chicago’s evolving squad, his playing minutes post All-Star break have surged to nearly 26 per encounter. Averaging 11.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and showcasing his defensive ferocity with almost a block a game, his integration into the Bulls’ up-tempo, aggressive basketball approach illustrates a promising partnership. This surge and synergetic fit with the boys from Chicago is breeding optimism both among fans and seasoned analysts.
But it’s not just fans rallying behind Buzelis. The collector community, those ardent enthusiasts of memorabilia, have taken an intense interest in the fresh-faced rookie. March has been a whirlwind of activity for card collectors, as Buzelis’ cards have been flying off the racks since the latest Panini 2024-25 Prizm NBA drop.
Breaking down those tales of cardboard gold, Card Ladder reports a whopping 2,731 trades tied to Buzelis in just the first few weeks of March. Notably, 18 of these involved high-stakes sales surpassing the $1,000 mark — a figure eclipsed by the Prizm NBA release, where previously his highest pre-Prizm record was a modest $700.
Shockingly or perhaps as expected now, two magnificent cards – a 2024-25 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer Rookie /5 and a 2024-25 Panini Prizm Snakeskin Auto /15 – have shattered the $2,000 barrier, achieving $2,150 and $2,194.69, respectively. Clearly, a growing legion of hobbyists are scenting a star ready to burst into supernova status.
When placed alongside peers from his draft class, Buzelis’ ascent makes for thrilling comparisons. Zacharie Risacher, the draft’s golden boy, paired with Stephon Castle’s potential Rookie of the Year acclaim, has seen several high-value trades. Yet there’s Buzelis, with his 18-and-counting sales proving he’s a card-collecting darling.
Chicago is navigating through its transformative phase, departing from the DeRozan-LaVine days into potentially more harmonious times. Coby White’s restless energy and Josh Giddey’s pinpoint precision have paved the way for Buzelis to shine even brighter. Leading the Bulls in electrifying dunks and growing more self-assured with each game, he marks a refreshing evolution in an emboldened Chicago Bulls lineup.
For a draft class shrouded in initial skepticism, Buzelis emerges as a beacon of unexpected wonder. A mix of size, formidable skill set, and unrestrained fluidity propels him into discussions of the draft’s highest ceiling potential. If his trajectory sustains this skyward thrust, the chorus calling for Buzelis will reach newer heights, with his card market following a parabolic arc mirroring his court success.
In his youthful rawness rests promise—and with each passing play, Matas Buzelis is crafting a narrative filled with determined plays and collector’s favorites that are impossible to ignore. His fledgling but first-rate journey is only just unfurling, and for those invested in his cards and career, the excitement is palpable. This marks the beginning of what could well be an illustrious tenure not just in the annals of basketball, but in every collector’s album that houses a piece of his emerging legend.
