2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis

[Jamaaliver]

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[Jamaaliver]

Matas Buzelis | 6-9 wing/forward | 19 years old | G League Ignite

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The #5 pick is a key swing spot in the draft. League sources are struggling to determine the preferences of new president of basketball operations Trajan Langdon, since he wasn’t running the show in New Orleans. However, the Pelicans have a history of taking long, rangy players such as Herb Jones, Dyson Daniels and Trey Murphy. That type of bigger wing also seems to be among the most notable positional needs for the Pistons.

Buzelis ticks that box at least, offering positional size for the wing/forward role. Players with somewhat similar profiles in last year’s class, such as Charlotte’s Brandon Miller, Memphis’ G.G. Jackson, Washington’s Bilal Coulibaly and Whitmore, put together promising rookie seasons while flashing skills they didn’t consistently display in their pre-draft seasons. Perhaps that will happen with Buzelis, too, after a G League Ignite season in which he averaged 14.1 points per game, but only shot 45.5 percent from the field and 26.1 percent from 3. (He upped those numbers to 17.1 points, 7.6 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 2.5 blocks over his last 13 games).

The Athletic

[Jamaaliver]

I'm on record that Buzelis would have been my top draft target in this draft class. His production (and efficiency) has been modest so far. But, man, the flashes are really nice.

I admit he wouldn't have fit here as nice as Risacher because Matas Buzelis needs the ball in his hands to be effective.
Zacch's ability to be a threat off ball makes him a perfect fit next to OO and Jalen (and hopefully Trae) long term.

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[HMFFL]

I believe he will develop into an all-star talent. He is going to be very good. Chicago has their backcourt established and now their frontcourt is their focus.

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[Jamaaliver]

Definitely still of the belief that either of Matas or Steph Castle ends up the best player from this draft class...

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[Jamaaliver]

Matas Rookie Highlights...

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