2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
the question for him will be if he can play the 3 and can he shoot the 3
Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
The AthleticMatas Buzelis | 6-10 wing/forward | 19 years old | G League Ignite
Buzelis has been a beneficiary of multiple factors each occurring at once in this class. First, his size, off-ball capabilities and athleticism with the ball in transition make him a high-upside swing in a draft class doesn’t have many of them. Second, bigger wings with similar profiles like Charlotte’s Miller, Memphis’ G.G. Jackson, Washington’s Bilal Coulibaly and Houston’s Whitmore have put together promising rookie seasons while displaying skills they didn’t consistently showcase in their pre-draft seasons.
Those four are positive indicators because Buzelis has not had an ideal pre-draft campaign, especially early. He’s averaging 13.7 points while shooting 45.6 percent from the field in the G League, including a disappointing 26.9 percent mark from 3. However, over his last 11 games, he’s upped those numbers to 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists, one steal and an awesome 2.5 blocks per game. He also won some plaudits from scouts for his play at the Rising Stars event at All-Star Weekend, where he helped the G League team upset a roster of NBA rookies and sophomores that included Wembanyama.
There are certainly questions even after his in-season improvement, and shooting is the one that comes up the most. Buzelis shot the ball well the season before at Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas but hasn’t been consistent during his youth career. While Buzelis has been able to fit into an offensive role with G League Ignite instead of pressing the issue, scouts would like to learn more about his ability to create on his own. Additionally, while Buzelis’ off-ball defense has largely won over scouts, he has struggled on the ball this season in large part due to a lack of strength.
...this mock draft is based on feedback I get from scouts, and many are willing to give Buzelis the benefit of the doubt for the G League Ignite’s struggles. I think Buzelis’ range honestly starts at No. 1 if he has a strong pre-draft process and could extend down to No. 7 or below.
Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
Man, IDK what the coaching staff did to break Matas. He had a reputation as a knockdown shooter coming into the season. This shot chart is just atrocious!!
Spoiler:
Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
Bleacher ReportMatas Buzelis Scouting Report
Age: 19
Position: SF
Size: 6'8", 209 lbs
Draft ceiling: Top 5
Draft floor: Late Lottery
Despite the G League Ignite's disappointing record, NBA scouts are still acknowledging why Matas Buzelis was viewed as a No. 1 overall candidate entering the season.
While he's no longer part of that conversation, not much has changed regarding his easy-to-picture fit and the appeal of his particular body type and skill set.
An ankle injury also cost Buzelis valuable minutes early in the season, delaying the time it took for his comfort level and confidence to rise. Inconsistency is one of the big reasons scouts aren't as trusting in him, while positional size, scoring versatility and athleticism provide traits that have kept evaluators patient.
NBA Role and Pro ComparisonsPhysical Tools and AthleticismSpoiler:Signature StrengthsSpoiler:Areas for ImprovementSpoiler:It's possible that teams at the top of this draft look at his 6'8" size, shotmaking versatility, open-floor handles, athleticism at the rim—and bet on the archetype and development, instead of putting stock into inconsistency from a small sample size for a 19-year-old in the G League.Spoiler:
Teams could value Buzelis highly if they see both safety tied to his fit and upside in a big, potentially two-way scoring wing.
It's also possible Buzelis is still on the board in the late lottery if enough teams prefer to avoid the possibility of him being too soft against contact, not quick enough to beat defenders or unreliable from three.
Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
Based on size and positional value, this kid is probably the best fit for us long term.
The RingerMatas Buzelis -- G League Ignite -- Lithuania
6'11" | 195 lb | Wing | 20 years old
Connective playmaker with size, shooting, and the ability to play anywhere on the floor.
Per 36 averages:
16.4ppg | 7.7rpg | 2.3apg | 2.3bpg
Shades of: Lamar Odom
PLUSES
- Versatile offensive player who can be used in any scheme because of his high feel as a passer. He isn’t a savant playmaker who will lead an offense, per se, but he’s the type of player who could thrive in a two-man game with other like-minded players.
- Boasts upside as a shooter. He’s fluid dribbling into his stepback from both midrange and 3, and he loves utilizing shimmies and ball fakes to create space from midrange. He shot far better from 3 as a high school senior than he has with the Ignite.
- Displays soft touch on in-between shots like hooks from the post or floaters. If a defender tries to take a charge, he can stop his dribble on a dime and just flip the ball up.
- Savvy player without the ball who communicates with teammates to help the offense flow and always looks for chances to cut. In a motion system, he’d thrive in dribble handoffs either as the person receiving or delivering the ball.
- Great transition player. He runs the floor hard, making himself available for kickouts. And since he can handle the ball himself, he’s always a threat to take it coast-to-coast or make a play off a rebound.
- Good team defender with a high motor and feel for off-ball help. He frequently logs weakside and chasedown blocks, in addition to altering shots.
MINUSES
- Who is he really as a shooter? Buzelis was a streaky shooter until his final high school season, when he made 43.1 percent of his 3s, hitting a variety of shots off movement with smooth mechanics and a high release. But he’s back below 30 percent during the G League season.
- Loosey-goosey ball handler who has a negative assist-to-turnover ratio largely because he often gets stripped or dribbles into trouble. Even if he's not a primary playmaker who runs a heavy dose of pick-and-rolls, he needs to improve his handle.
- Finishing at the rim needs a lot of work. He shies away from his off hand, he struggles against contact, and he isn’t explosive without space to launch. There are times when he tries turning the corner on drives but he can’t dislodge his defender when driving due a lack of muscle.
- Subpar defender containing dribble penetration. He isn’t switchable against quicker players and he has a hard time fighting through screens.
- Needs to get significantly stronger, but he has a lanky frame. How much weight can he actually put on?
Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
If Matas irons out his jumper, he likely ends up the best player from this draft class. He's got some dog in him, some top line skills plus really good measurables/athleticism.
Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
Jamaaliver wrote:If Matas irons out his jumper, he likely ends up the best player from this draft class. He's got some dog in him, some top line skills plus really good measurables/athleticism.
I don't see Buzelis with enough defensive upside to overshadow Sarr. I still like Buzelis, and would happily take him if we had two picks to use. He's definitely got the makeup to be a special player. Him and Risacher would've been my next targets after Sarr if we didn't have #1.
Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
The scouting videos from this young man are always pretty solid.
I'm really starting to lean towards going after Matas...particularly if we can trade down to do it.
I'm really starting to lean towards going after Matas...particularly if we can trade down to do it.
Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
one huge thing I like about Buzelis: the kid has no fear.
Very much has a 'I'll play anyone, anywhere' type of attitude.
Very much has a 'I'll play anyone, anywhere' type of attitude.
Re: 2024 Prospect Spotlight: Matas Buzelis
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