Matas Buzelis Thread

[Shawshank]

Buzelis after 28 games averages 5,3pts and is 19th in 2024 very weak draft class


When 2 years ago Buzelis was projected nr 1 spot, before draft top5 pick...not drafted in top 10 after workouts it was red flag like i said...now 19th in scoring if anything trajectory and possible expectations going down


What nba teams saw after first 27-30 games from 2024 rookies Buzelis unlikely would be drafted in top 15 anymore.

[Straight forward]

From first glance, it may look like another game for Matas, but he unleashed full intensity on this one and showed some glimpses of intensity and effort that I didn't see previously. He showed how ridiculous he can be in open court, elevating amazing pace and finishing with an athletic attempt. He gets to the rim so easily, that will make him a bucket with time. He's raw in terms of finishing, still misses some bunnies and the three needs a lot of repetition. But once he will polish this and his FG% will go up, he can be really special in the NBA. Super dynamic dude.

https://www.nba.com/stats/events?CFID=&CFPARAMS=&ContextMeasure=FGA&GameID=0022400381&PlayerID=1641824&Season=2024-25&SeasonType=Regular%20Season&TeamID=&flag=3&sct=plot&section=game

[Straight forward]

Good stuff from Buzelis.

Remember when I said he should enjoy play next Ball and Giddey. That's what I meant, great touch pass:

https://x.com/DannyPerez90030/status/1868909566664347844

And that's the highlight of his game. When opponents respect his shot he puts the ball on the floor, crafty move, crafty finish. He will be a very good NBA player.

https://x.com/chicagobulls/status/1868844584287043733

[Toruko]

not much self creation currently, basically all of his points come from stationary catch n shoot threes and fastbreak points

Give him time. He has to find ways to be efficient. He is definitely a talented player but his body must evolve to be physically ready. This is the only threat I see for him.

[zalias]

not much self creation currently, basically all of his points come from stationary catch n shoot threes and fastbreak points

[Straight forward]

Buzelis first 20pts game. Most fun fact - 4 threes out 5. His shooting season so far looks better than one could expect after raw campaign in the G League with season's 22%. Now he shoots 36% and I wouldn't be all that much surprised if he finished with such solid %. Looks nice, very dynamic. Most fun is too see how easily he floats the court and gets up for an explosive finish, athletic finish. You don't see that with Lithuanians often. His legs and athleticism are different. Kleiza was athletic, he was outrunning people and dunking on them in the NBA. But even his athleticism was a bit different. Buzelis is so light on his feet. Coasting KD's lightening.

https://x.com/chicagobulls/status/1863804437782729039

[Straight forward]

Braking: Buzelis says he will play in Eurobasket.

Now it will be even more interesting how he will develop during the season.

https://www.lrt.lt/naujienos/sportas/10/2424158/tvirta-atsakyma-del-zaidimo-rinktineje-turintis-buzelis-labai-nekantrauju-zaisti-joje

[Straight forward]

buzelis is taking a full advantage of bulls injuries. last 3 games he's playing 22mpg and averaging 10ppg, 48% from the field, 1.3bpg, 4rpg.

It had to happen sooner or later and it happened pretty fast. When the injured guy will come back he might face little time again, but the aggression is already there. Dude's gonna be really good with those nasty skills at 6'10 and killers attitude. But the shot is very very raw. Upcoming 3 years will determine his upside. If he will polish the three he will be by far the best player of 2023 NBA draft. Defensively he stays with guards. I can only see inconsistent three becoming his one and only flaw, but hope he will work on this too.

Well, and he outscored JV

https://x.com/BN_Bulls/status/1861614558084755843

[zalias]

buzelis is taking a full advantage of bulls injuries. last 3 games he's playing 22mpg and averaging 10ppg, 48% from the field, 1.3bpg, 4rpg.

[Straight forward]

Buzelis this season played 3 games when he got 20+ minutes and he averaging 12ppg in those.

There's good chance Buzelis will face some solid playing minutes in next few games.

[Straight forward]

That's Lithuanian folk flying.

[Straight forward]

its clear buzelis is an nba player and if you are doubting that you simply dont know basketball. modern nba is all about "pass, dribble, shoot" and buzelis will be able to offer that in a couple of years, combine it with his length and defensive upside and you got a player who will have a very long nba career.

Zero doubt. It's only a question whenever he will be very good role player/starter or he can push it for an all star. That's the only question.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeDO_2Hx42o&ab_channel=ZHHighlights

https://x.com/chicagobulls/status/1860505808737308711

[zalias]

its clear buzelis is an nba player and if you are doubting that you simply dont know basketball. modern nba is all about "pass, dribble, shoot" and buzelis will be able to offer that in a couple of years, combine it with his length and defensive upside and you got a player who will have a very long nba career.

[Straight forward]

Matas' coach on him:

https://x.com/CodyWesterlund/status/1860178853509103999

[Straight forward]

Buzelis with 20min of action, 9 shots, 9pts. He needs more of that kind of action to develop. Only this way the game will slow down for him.

https://x.com/ESPNNBA/status/1860138604451725526

https://x.com/CHGO_Bulls/status/1860140737138172076