In the ever-evolving world of the NBA, Matas Buzelis is busy authoring an underdog tale that fans and collectors alike find hard to ignore. A year ago, he stepped into the limelight with skeptic’s glances; today, he’s dribbling his way into hearts—and portfolios. Drafted at number 11, the 6’10” marvel has set the stage on fire, and it’s not just his sky-high scrimmage that’s getting everyone talking.
Let’s unravel his latest exploits. Over the weekend, Buzelis unleashed a cracking performance, netting a career-high 31 points against the Lakers. More than the digits on the scoreboard, it was his style that caught the eye. One standout moment saw him breeze past Luka Doncic with an elegance that belied his raw rookie status, capping it off with a commanding one-handed dunk that reverberated through the arena, affirming his growing prowess.
Coming into the NBA with questions regarding his consistency and fit, Buzelis was a shimmering prospect shadowed by skepticism. Fast forward to now, and he’s answering on the hardwood with enviable conviction. Since the All-Star break, his presence has expanded, averaging 25.8 minutes on the court and contributing a respectable 11.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and close to a block per game. As the Bulls embrace a fast-paced game style, Buzelis has found his stride—and rather compellingly so.
This story of emergence hasn’t gone unnoticed, particularly in the fervent world of card collectors. The trading card market has wasted no time in capitalizing on Buzelis’ upswing. In March alone, over 2,700 Buzelis card sales have been recorded by Card Ladder. Among these, 18 transactions have breached the $1,000 mark, a milestone that was unattainable prior to the Panini’s 2024-25 Prizm NBA introduction.
Back in January, the priciest pre-Prizm acquisition of a Buzelis card clocked in at $700 for a 2024 Prizm Draft Picks Black Prizm Auto 1/1. But that’s a mere whisper compared to the post-Prizm hysteria. Some cards have now soared beyond $2,000:
– 2024-25 Panini Prizm Green Shimmer Rookie /5 raked in $2,150.
– 2024-25 Panini Prizm Snakeskin Auto /15 fetched a polished $2,194.69.
Contextualizing his rise within the rookie landscape offers another layer of awe. While Zacharie Risacher, the top draft pick, boasts five card sales in the four-figure realm, and Alexandre Sarr has one, Buzelis finds himself relishing in 18—and still counting. It’s fascinating how Buzelis didn’t begin the season with the dawn spotlight; it’s his dexterous plays that have been narrating his rise, swiftly influencing market trends to catch up.
Meanwhile, in Chicago, there’s a metamorphosis taking place. A post-DeRozan and LaVine Bulls team is reshaping, with speedster Coby White and virtuoso playmaker Josh Giddey setting a tempo that suits Buzelis to perfection. He stands at the forefront in team dunks and emanates more assurance with every game, carving out a critical role in the current lineup.
For a rookie faction brushed aside entering the season, Buzelis could very well be the surprise alchemy. His blend of size, innate skill, and fluidity hints at an expansive potential ceiling, implicating a sustained buzz and consequential card market activity.
Buzelis may still bear an unpolished charm, but at just 20, he’s staging performances that sculpts any inabilities into poetic poise, cornering the attention of both NBA enthusiasts and card collectors with equal intensity. As he continues this exhilarating journey, one can’t help but watch, wonder, and perhaps invest in a future that glistens with undeniable promise.
