Upsides

• High basketball IQ, he consistently makes smart plays on sides of the ball

• Solid mover off the ball

• Solid connective passer right now with some potential as a creator

• The shot theoretically is good, he’s shot it really well in the past

• He is a solid off-ball defender right now, I think he should be able to continue that in the NBA

Downsides

• Has not been good with the ball in his hands with the g-league ignite. I think he will improve but I no longer see him as a guy who can be a top 2-3 scoring option on a team

• On-ball defense is not very good, he gets attacked by stronger players and can’t stick with quicker players

• Has been inefficient as a scorer in the g-league

Conclusion

will add scouting report soon

Shades of: Joe Ingles, Franz Wagner, Deni Avdija

February write up: I watched the two games against Perth and really liked him, but he’s just been disappointing. His shooting seemed like his main sell, but the stats are awful on it. He’s always been thought of as more of a high level role player prospect anyway, a Franz type, but I’m not even sure if he’ll be that good of a role player. His defense isn’t very good, he doesn’t create advantages that well, I still have hope he can be a very good role player but there’s lots of reason to be concerned. I really like his cutting, shot form, fluidity, and I think his rim protection is decent for a forward.

April write up: I’ve changed my mind on matas many times and I still don’t know what to think. I have him 3 now, but I’m not sold on a lot of things in his game. First, his jumper has inconsistent form and his percentages are awful. But, his jumper looks way too smooth to not get better with time. I don’t love his defense, I like his rim protection a bit but he has slow feet and a low motor, he’s gotta be a big contributor on offense to translate. Love his ball handling for his size ur he has to make it faster. Love his transition offense too. Don’t buy the self creation though, it’s inconsistent, he’s too skinny and doesn’t get to his spots well. Instead of being another KD/tatum self creatorlike people thought in HS, I think he’s gonna be more of a skinnier but maybe better shooting Kyle Kuzma? Not sure how high you take that guy. Idk what to do with matas because I’m not sold on the people below him either.

Matas Buzelis - Ignite (SG/SF - HT: 6’10” - WING: 6’10” - WT: 200 - A: 18y)

- Versatile offensive player who can play well on or off ball. Perfect offensive connector
- Great feel in the pick and roll, can make most passes or pull up for his own shot
- Elite outside shot pulling up or off the catch
- Best shooter at the top of the draft
- Solid athlete, can jump and move well
- Solid defender but not much strength. Dude’s skinny
- Not a lot of intensity to his game
- Shades of Franz Wagner, Brandon Miller, Jett Howard, 
- Best fit: Detroit, Toronto, Memphis, Portland
- Worst fit: he fits everywhere

Range: 2-7

Tier 1 - Ceiling:

All-Star, Top 3 Point Forward

Nationality

Dual Nat - Lithuanian & American

Draft Day Age

19.68

Wingspan

6'11

Avg ranking (top 6 NBA draft sites) 7.2

My Jan Ranking 6

Best Case - Shades of/

Franz Wagner

Andrei Kirilenko

Grant Hill

Stats:

28.7 MPG

12.5 PPG

54.7 TS% on 10.6 FGA

20.7 3PT% on 3.6 FGA

79.3 FT% on 1.8 FTA

11.3 TRB%

8.9 AST%

1.7 STL%

5.1 BLK%

15.1 TO%

21.0 USG%

90.8 ORTG

114.4 DRTG

Overview: Matas Buzelis is a 6'10", 210-pound Lithuanian forward currently playing for the G League Ignite. Considered a top-five prospect for the 2024 NBA Draft, Buzelis is a versatile big man with a potent mix of size, skill, and athleticism. He projects as a modern-day wing who can play multiple positions, contribute offensively inside and out, and defend at a high level. Strengths:

• Versatile skillset: Buzelis boasts a well-rounded offensive arsenal. He can knock down open threes with a smooth shooting stroke, create his own shot off the dribble with good handle and footwork, and finish around the rim with both hands. He also shows promising playmaking ability, finding open teammates with smart passes out of the post or off the drive. 



• Size and athleticism: Standing tall at 6'10" with a long wingspan, Buzelis has the ideal frame for a modern NBA wing. He's also surprisingly nimble for his size, possessing enough quickness and explosiveness to guard smaller players on the perimeter and finish above the rim on offense.

• High basketball IQ: Buzelis plays with a cerebral approach, making smart decisions with the ball and understanding the nuances of the game. He reads defenses well, anticipates plays, and makes the right pass often. This high IQ, coupled with his size and skill, makes him a valuable asset on both ends of the court.

• Defensive potential: Buzelis' long arms and quick feet translate well to defense. He can guard multiple positions and disrupt passing lanes with his active hands. He also shows solid rim protection instincts, contesting shots and blocking with good timing. Weaknesses:

• Physical strength: While athletic, Buzelis needs to add more muscle to his frame to truly hold his own against NBA power forwards. Developing his physical strength will help him improve his rebounding, defend stronger players, and finish through contact more effectively.

• Three-point consistency: Although Buzelis has a nice shooting form, his three-point range and consistency need some work. He's more comfortable shooting mid-range jumpers at this stage. Expanding his range and becoming a reliable threat from deep would further elevate his offensive value.

• Experience against high-level competition: Though playing in the G League, Buzelis hasn't faced consistent competition against established NBA talent yet. The jump in physicality and athleticism in the NBA could initially pose a challenge, requiring him to adjust his game and adapt to the new level. Overall: Matas Buzelis is a high-ceiling prospect with the potential to be a star in the NBA. His size, athleticism, skillset, and basketball IQ make him a unique and valuable commodity. If he can add strength, improve his three-point shooting, and adapt to the NBA game, he could become a dominant two-way wing for years to come. The team that drafts him will be getting a high-character player with the potential to be a franchise cornerstone. Additional Notes:

• Buzelis is known for his dedication and work ethic. He's always looking to improve his game and takes coaching extremely well.

• Some scouts compare Buzelis to a young Gordon Hayward or Michael Porter Jr. due to his versatility and offensive skillset.

• He's a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions on the court, making him a valuable asset in today's switch-heavy NBA. Overall, Matas Buzelis is a must-watch player for the 2024 NBA Draft. He has the talent and potential to make a significant impact on the league for years to come.

Buzelis was supposed to be in the conversation for the #1 pick, and while I still have him up here, most have him towards the middle to back of the lottery, let alone the #1 pick.

The biggest issue with Buzelis has been his jumper not hitting like it was supposed to. He was supposed to be this KD type of player who was a bigger wing and can score from anywhere. I may be more optimistic than most because I still think he can develop into something like that. Obviously can't say he's going to become KD, but maybe something in that vein, like Brandon Ingram.

I do like his defensive potential on guards and wings. He is an eager defender and a talented one. I don't think he can/will guard a lot of bigs, but playing him as a SF with switchability onto 1-4 is nice to have.

Ceiling: Defensively engaged Brandon Ingram Floor: Dragan Bender Comparison: Prime Bojan Bogdanovic

Favorite Fits:

1. Portland Trail Blazers

2. San Antonio Spurs

3. Memphis Grizzlies

ATTRIBUTES

Pros:

• Solid shooter

• Solid playmaker

• Plays with fluidity

• Plays well off-ball

• Good defensive instincts

• Promising help-side defence

• Good height

Cons:

• Weak

• Struggles with contact

• Jump shot is a tad slow

• Struggles using his off-hand

OVERALL

Mould/role: Spot-up wing, tertiary creator

Player Comp: Danilo Gallanari

Tier: 5