GET TO KNOW: MATAS BUZELIS
The top of 2024 NBA draft is one of the most wide open in recent memory, with no clear cut candidate to be selected first overall.
As a result, big boards will shift significantly in the next few months as players vie for the chance to be the #1 overall pick.
One of the players consistently mentioned as a potential #1 overall pick is Matas Buzelis, who is slated to play for the G-League Ignite next year. Buzelis’ combination of ballhandling, height, and skills are highly sought after in the Modern NBA, and a strong season with the Ignite could cement his candidacy.
Get to know the talented Matas Buzelis as we do an early deep dive into his skillset.
OFFENSE.
INTERIOR SCORING: GREAT
Despite a long and lanky frame, Buzelis has the craftiness and creativity of a smaller guard when attacking the rim. Matas does a great job getting into the paint using both left and right handed drives and is also able to finish with both hands.
Buzelis’ lack of strength is noticeable at the moment, which could cause him to struggle against bigger and stronger defenders at the next level. However, he doesn't shy away from contact, highlighting an aggressiveness that will be helpful at the next level.
In-Between Game: Above Average
Matas has a variety of dribble moves that allow him to get to his spots and an array of weapons, including a floater, to help him finish from this area. However, he still needs to improve his handle and demonstrate more consistency when attacking from the mid range.
Shooting: Great
While he is not yet a consistent threat from beyond the arc, Matas has a solid and efficient shooting form and pulls up confidently from deep. He has shown solid touch at the free-throw line too, which is a good sign he could become a dangerous perimeter scorer at the next level when combined with his length and handling ability.
Self-Creation and Ball Handling: Great
For his size and age, Matas is extremely polished at scoring off the dribble. As mentioned earlier, he has an array of moves that he uses to keep defenders guessing, including floaters and euro-steps. He also demonstrates great patience when breaking down defenders, showcasing excellent maturity.
Matas' handle, despite being advanced for his age, will need to continue improving to become a primary ball handler in the NBA.
Off-Ball: Above-Average
Matas can impact the game without initiating the offense. He makes smart reads and has a knack for cutting to the rim at the right time or rotating to provide spacing for the ball handler. His shooting touch makes him a solid spot-up threat as well.
Playmaking: Great
There is a legitimate chance Matas will end up being capable of leading an NBA offense. Whether or not this becomes his main role or something he does in spurts is highly dependent on his ability to handle the rock, as his vision and ability to create for others is amazing for his size and age.
While he thrives leading his team on fast breaks, Matas also makes excellent reads in the half-court. His height allows him to see the court well, and he can make passes through tight spaces with either hand. When driving to the rim, Matas makes great decisions after collapsing the defense.
DEFENSE.
Interior Defense: below average
Matas is T A L L, but also noticeably lanky. As he gets stronger, his defensive versatility will grow, but he will struggle to guard most 4s and some stronger 3s in the paint. He has very active hands and good defensive instincts though, which should help him compensate for that lack of strength.
Perimeter Defense: above-average
Matas' length is much more noticeable on the perimeter. He moves well laterally and uses his size well, allowing him to keep up with smaller, quicker players. He also shows good patience and awareness when defending the perimeter.
Athleticism: Great
Matas is a great, but not elite athlete. He is fluid and smooth with his movements and he shows good burst when driving into the paint, but lacks a quick first step. When attacking the rim, he shows impressive verticality and explosiveness on his dunks and he uses this athleticism on both ends, as discussed earlier with his ability to move well laterally on defense.