MATAS BUZELIS SCOUTING REPORT | 2024 NBA Draft | Chicago Bulls | G League Ignite | Lithuania

Chicago-born LIthuania prospect Matas Buzelis is one of the most unique in the 2024 #NBADraft, even if his stock has fluctuated this season. What will Buzelis be able to do in the #NBA with his hometown #ChicagoBulls?
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Credit:
- "Benz" - Yung Kartz
- "Warzone" - Anno Domini Beats
- ESPN
- NBA TV
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Chapters:

[@VietnamvetOG]

When you’re watching this kid you’re seeing pro moves would work in todays nba playoffs. Going from high school to nba 3 pt line is no joke. Being 6’10 just gives you so many additional bailouts and advantages. If you understand how much he’s improved this is a no brainer top 3 future borderline all star

[@FloorandCeiling]

In regards to what you touched on with the playoffs, I think that the hope is definitely for Buzelis's self-creation and pull-up flashes to become more concrete. That type of skill is really valuable in close games against set defenses.

[@VietnamvetOG]

@@FloorandCeiling no other prospect has that creation ability. Not to mention his length as a help side defender, having that length is crucial in rebounding during playoff hoops. You just need to look at the improvement over the course of the year.

[@alvaromartinez-cachero1231]

Possibly one of the great mysteries of this draft. Sometimes he seems to have all the qualities and sometimes he seems to have none.

[@rep227]

Typical top 10 draft that'll be outplayed by later picks.

[@FloorandCeiling]

I think Buzelis' highlights make him seem more impactful than he truly is. In the full context of a game, he has a real tendency to drift in and out. He shows up in spurts (sometimes when the game is already a blowout against the Ignite) and he sort of struggled to piece together a real role until the very end of the season.

[@2024nbadraft]

He’s a bust he’s going to get a gm fired

[@Justfranktbh]

@@2024nbadraft pisses me off that raptors fans are all over him cause I really don’t know what they’re seeing that I ain’t

[@2024nbadraft]

@@Justfranktbh I saw that to

[@robertball147]

Buzelis's high and loose handle would give me pause if picking in the top 7. Your analysis is - as always - greatly appreciated.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Thanks as always! I have questions about his handle too. It’s high, mechanical, and it can sometimes feel like Buzelis can’t quite go at full speed (or change speeds maybe) chaining moves together.

[@2024nbadraft]

He’s a bust

[@ForbiddenTechniqueTV]

To be honest with a class like this who else goes higher than Him?

[@spxce766]

@@2024nbadraft he won't be a bust but he's just gonna be kinda average

[@spxce766]

i went to elementary and middle school with Buzelis and he’s never been overly assertive, in life or athletically, i also strongly remember his first sport being swimming so i question he commitment to basketball

[@FloorandCeiling]

As with any prospect, it's worth taking Buzelis' background into account. What you're saying about swimming is true, but I'm not sure he was even a teenager at that point. Basketball runs in his family in Lithuania and Buzelis hasn't taken an easy road so far. He left Illinois to attend Brewster Academy in high school, then chose the more pro-oriented G League Ignite lifestyle instead of college.

[@licenciadobrubaker]

I don't know if Buzelis is an extremely dedicated basketball player, but we must accept the idea that there are basketball players who don't particularly like the sport, they simply dedicate themselves to it because they have great qualities for it.

[@kurabo6495]

​@@licenciadobrubaker Jokic is one good example

[@alvaromartinez-cachero1231]

I think from an American perspective you don't understand Jokic's love and dedication to basketball. He's not a social media slave who needs to be posting what he works on all day in the summer, but Jokic is the first one to get to shooting practice and at Nuggets workouts.

[@gangawerks]

You're not the first to mention his lack of assertiveness. The nba could really snuff out what assertiveness he has. I think the nba is not good for the vast majority. I hope he lands in a place good for his development. Thanks for another cool vid.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Appreciate you! Yeah, I think Buzelis has problems imposing himself on a game. He shows up in moments and it looks very appealing on tape, but his actual impact is more questionable. At the end of the day, he looks like a player who'll be something like a nice 3rd option. That's a solid outcome and I can see Buzelis reaching it, but it's also not always what teams look for in the top 5 of a draft.

[@begonacachero5910]

Excellent video!

[@FloorandCeiling]

Thanks as always!

[@licenciadobrubaker]

Buzelis seems to have the necessary tools: height, mobility, shooting mechanics, etc, but he is very very raw, lacks a lot of body and is going to need a lot of time in the GLeague. To give an example I see him more raw than Dieng and this one has been playing almost exclusively in the GLeague for 2 years.

[@FloorandCeiling]

The Dieng comparison makes a lot of sense, although I think a big difference is that Buzelis is more comfortable playing off the ball than Dieng. When Dieng was in New Zealand, his best games of the season came when he was allowed to have the ball in his hands more. If he was limited to only spacing the floor and spotting up on the perimeter, he struggled to get into a rhythm and was much more intermittent. I think that's also partly why he hasn't gotten much playing time with OKC. In the G League, he can have the ball in his hands with the OKC Blue. With the OKC Thunder, the ball is going to be with Shai, Jalen Williams, Josh Giddey, etc.

[@licenciadobrubaker]

@@FloorandCeiling I agree with what you say about Dieng and I see a difficult solution for him because I don't think OKC is going to let him have the ball. But what I meant by comparing him to Buzelis is that both are interesting projects, but they need a lot of development to be competitive in the NBA.

[@2024nbadraft]

He’s a bust

[@blazingfire3609]

He’s jump shot is so fast and clean

[@FloorandCeiling]

I think he'll be able to shoot the three ball way better than his percentages in the G League.

[@blazingfire3609]

@@FloorandCeiling I’d rather see good form and bad percentages than a broken shot form and good percentages

[@dontbethatguy783]

I really think a lot of buzelis issues are fixable (see shooting consistency, handle, and strength), and the skills (and athleticism) that he already has are much harder to teach. So while hes definitely a risk because none of the improvements are guarantees, if he just gets better at one of those things he has a role in the league, and i think high end he could be somewhere between markkanen and franz wagner. Overall would love for my blazers to grab him or risascher/holland (although i trust his shooting the least) as they would be great fits.

[@FloorandCeiling]

I like all of those fits for the Blazers, but mostly because I think they need a wing who can do some stuff on-ball but also have a clear role off the ball as well. I think his issues are fixable, but they all relate to one another so it's slightly more complicated. His handle needs the added strength, and his best shooting outcome also means being able to create his own pull-up off the bounce.

[@courtsvlogss]

If I’m honest I first find out about him hearing he was a 6’10 point guard so learning that he’s a wing over this season was disappointing but I still have faith with him as a wing

[@FloorandCeiling]

Yeah, I really think the hype about him as a point guard or even a point forward was unwarranted. Not sure that’s ever been his skill set. Buzelis can handle the ball a bit and put it on the floor, but he’s not setting up an entire team or controlling the tide of a game. Can still be a good player though.

[@GBnHawaii]

Great break down! Been following you a few years now and stoked to see you gaining momentum. Do you see anyone for the Warriors to trade for? Would be cool for you to put these guys on the perfect team fit.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Appreciate it! I've always been seeing you in the comment sections. With the Warriors, it's tough to really say until we get a clearer idea of what they're gonna do this summer. I'm guessing Chris Paul is gone, but how about Andrew Wiggins? Klay Thompson? There could be a lot of moving pieces. Even seemingly less "significant" guys like Kevon Looney. If I had to guess, the Warriors will continue targeting prospects like Brandin Podziemski or Trayce Jackson-Davis. Older, more proven prospects out of college with a clear path to an NBA role. I expect this to be their drafting guidelines till Steph retires.

[@GBnHawaii]

@FloorandCeiling it's definitely the crossroads for the Warriors... a year toolate imo. I was hoping Dunleavy would sell high on Klay expiring and all their assets... try to grab one of the Thompson twins or Walker last year. But instead they resigned Kerr, Draymond, and Wiggins! They lucked out in the draft and hit on both guys... best draft since Draymond, Ezili and Barnes. They've missed the better player each time by 1 spot in the draft during Myers run... it's really crazy when you go back and look. NBA has changed the rules and the Warriors are painted in the corner not being able to buy into this draft. Strange times ahead... I'm scared they're going to ride the old guys till the wheels fall off. Keep up the great breakdowns!

[@calebjackson3580]

Love the vid! Can you do kelel ware next?

[@FloorandCeiling]

Thanks for watching! I'll have a video on Kel'el soon, so stay tuned!

[@siddy17]

Thank you for including his misses. I hate highlight reels

[@FloorandCeiling]

Important to get a thorough analysis rather than just what’s good

[@robp9746]

Charlotte needs to take a chance on this guy.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Buzelis is pretty scalable for any team (both a pro and a con really), so I think he'd fit in well with Charlotte. Meshes in with LaMelo and Brandon Miller.

[@na_k]

Another good vid. Any idea what Buzelis' FT% was in HS vs. GLeague?

[@alvaromartinez-cachero1231]

80% senior year HS 67.9% with Ignite.

[@FloorandCeiling]

What the other reply said. I'll add the caveat that the 67.9 FT% is for the G League regular season (26 games). For his entire 34 game season, he shot 69.6% from the line.

[@C4tch4ll]

His best attribute may be to process and make decisions from the middle of the floor. He has a decent IQ and ability to make reads, which sometimes gets masked by the up-and-down pace of Gleague games and the inability of quality teammates to finish plays. The question to me is what he might look like playing on the ball and working off screens. Can he be a Gordon Hayward-like (circa Utah Jazz) triple-threat wing? If so, that's attractive at his size and length.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Yeah, I think once his shot starts going down at a higher clip, it'll become apparent that Buzelis is a pretty solid decision maker. His best case outcomes in the NBA all involve him handling and passing to some extent. So far, he's shown that he can do that... but with real questions surrounding those skills. His handle is high, loose, and somewhat mechanical. He also can't really use it to create his own shot all the time yet, so his ballhandling possessions aren't always the most efficient. With his passing, it's popped up in transition mostly, but again, it's tougher for it to show up in the half-court because of Buzelis' limitations getting to his spots.

[@jpsatre]

I think spurs would be a good fit for him sincs Pop develops winning mentality rather than pamper weak willed individuals.

[@conradk]

I would agree if we had a ninth pick or something like that. Otherwise we need another all-star - whether we get that in a trade, or a top three pick.

[@kronmeicrumbs]

Nah. I'm still reeling from Luka Samanic.

[@jpsatre]

@@conradk yep if we retain the Toronto Pick we should def consider this guy.

[@jpsatre]

@@kronmeicrumbs that guy prioritized muscle over skills.

[@kronmeicrumbs]

@@jpsatre Not even. Their scouting reports are near identical. Even their key weakness of a weak motor and non-aggression. Pop doesn't have the time for lackadaisical players, which is why he chose to keep a role player like KBD over Samanic. You're assuming it's a shoo-in he'll fix his passive play with the Spurs, which isn't the case.

[@kobyz21]

he reminds me Ziaire Williams

[@FloorandCeiling]

I like this shout a lot actually

[@Beno_nolove]

As a grizzlies fan that’s not a compliment

[@kobyz21]

@@Beno_nolove i didn't mean it as a compliment

[@cracyfranc8050]

I will put him as no.1 pick he got all the stuffs a star should have, no other players in this draft has those things. He just need to learn how to use his strength and body to punish mismatch and gain some weight. his shots will just be fine.

[@FloorandCeiling]

I agree that the shot will be fine. I also think Buzelis needs to keep growing as a passer and ballhandler, though. His handle can be too mechanical and his reads can definitely be predictable. I'm not sure he's as functional of a playmaker yet as other wings in this draft like Zaccharie Risacher or Ron Holland, who honestly have weaker reputations as passers than Buzelis but who I trust more right now.

[@cracyfranc8050]

@@FloorandCeiling Yeah, he need to improve as a passer and ball handler in next level. I do think Risacher is a better passer but the number didn't show it. Buzelis cannot operate a team offense, but he can find people when he needs to take a pass. I have concern on whether he really like basketball and whether he is competitive enough for this game. other than that, I think he has huge potential. Reed Shepperd also can fit in a team which already has a primary ball handler like Houston Rockets and Pistons, he could be clay thompson like player

[@FloorandCeiling]

@@cracyfranc8050 Not just passing, but I generally trust Risacher to make quicker and more efficient decisions right now. This isn't as big of an issue with Matas, but it's a big concern of mine with Ron Holland.

[@JustKicks786]

🐂🐂🐂🐂

[@Netsfan24]

Buzelis will definitely be a lottery pick in this draft, which is considered the weakest in recent memory, I could see him as a good fit on a team like the pistons or trail blazers

[@FloorandCeiling]

I like both of those destinations for him a lot. He'll be valuable on a team that needs shooting at the wing, but also someone with decision making and ballhandling upside. Thanks for watching!

[@anthonytrevino3191]

At this point I could see him barely inside top 10 and a good upside player. However if that shot never comes and to watch mostly likely get pushed around on the wing makes it’s very risky.

[@FloorandCeiling]

I'm expecting Buzelis' shot to come around. He's better than what his Ignite season indicated for sure.

[@anthonytrevino3191]

@@FloorandCeiling hopefully. Argument is he shot terrible this year and his team got shellacked pretty much 100% of the time. But yeah some of that is ignite. Which you could make argument players have a lot of basics to learn if they are coming from that team in particular. He’s a project

[@markusburns329]

@@anthonytrevino3191they are all coming out of high school playing against players who've gone to college and have been drafted already. So what he did is impressive. You could essentially say he's had a rookie year in the nba instead of playing against kids who will never be drafted in college. Also played good against wemby. Brandon miller. Jaquez. Brandon podz. Jabari smith. In rising start nba game. He's 19. He's going to be great.

[@anthonytrevino3191]

@@markusburns329 I wish the spurs took him at 8! Surprised he fell to 11

[@markusburns329]

@@anthonytrevino3191 I am a bulls fans and wanted him badly. I was very stressed watching hoping he'd fall. Spurs scared me. Detroit did. Then Memphis and Utah.

[@mcba6811]

It’s depressing to me that that may be the best the draft has to offer at number seven.

[@FloorandCeiling]

I think Buzelis might be gone before then honestly. Makes sense for teams like the Rockets or the Pistons.

[@bbwlc]

Mike Dunleavy vibes with Buzelis. Is that a good thing or bad thing?...I'm not sure. Wasn't really a fan of Mike Dunleavy back in the day...

[@FloorandCeiling]

What gives you that vibe?

[@charlesgilbert2054]

Nothing wrong with how his shot looks. Probably just a result of the dysfunctional G-League Ignite.

[@FloorandCeiling]

I buy the shot going in.

[@JNKimmet]

Another thing that doesn't get talked about enough is the G league guys are shooting NBA 3s. Not college.

[@marvintolbert2409]

He kind of reminds me of FRANZ WAGNER from the ORL MAGICS... He would be good with a CADE in DET

[@FloorandCeiling]

I like Buzelis to Detroit, but Franz was a much better facilitator and more intentional ballhandler at the same stage of his development imo. Thanks for watching!

[@marvintolbert2409]

@@FloorandCeiling definitely agree 👍🏾 I can see Matas game going in that direction

[@edgames7475]

He's the guy in the draft I just couldn't get into. His 'tools' and 'skills' are nothing more than flashes. The only thing going for him is his height. Whether he's pick 3 or pick 30, he's going to spend a ton of time in the G League next year.

[@FloorandCeiling]

I see what you mean in regards to his height, but then again, you can say the same to every NBA player to an extent. But if you're getting at his lack of all-around polish and inconsistent flashes, then absolutely. Still, I think it's worth figuring out if Buzelis can put it together (particularly in a more open draft like this one), so I still have him in my top 10 range. If he hits, then he could be a big and athletic 6-foot-10 wing who can handle (at the very least in transition or to attack closeouts/scrambling defenses), shoot threes, and create his own shot a little bit while maybe being more of a mismatch after getting stronger.

[@2024nbadraft]

You’re smart

[@Loganody]

Pistons fall to 5 again! So I'm here watching Matas...

[@FloorandCeiling]

I feel you.

[@johnarlt4006]

Dawg me too

[@Loganody]

@@johnarlt4006 matas does look good. Played in a pro league with a pro 3 point line and pro size players. We will see. He struggled from 3 this season but looks good shooting it.

[@FloorandCeiling]

​@@Loganody I trust that he'll be able to shoot it long term.

[@Loganody]

@@FloorandCeiling I agree he spot up shot I high-school really well so it looks like an adjustment period for him. I think he will be above 31% his rookie year where ever he goes

[@jpsatre]

Basically he is just tall *and mobile.

[@licenciadobrubaker]

Tall and mobile may be sufficient qualities for this draft.

[@stanleed.harold5457]

He plays like Shaun Livingston. i hope that he turns into Lamar Odom.

[@alvaromartinez-cachero1231]

For the sake of Buzelis' health, I hope not.

[@FloorandCeiling]

Lamar Odom would be a great outcome for Buzelis.

[@VietnamvetOG]

Talking bout a high dribble my dawg is 6’10 and really a skinny dirk out there. Just look at what he did to b miller at all star weekend. We still getting that jumper off when needed whos blocking that?

[@FloorandCeiling]

That's only one game in an exhibition setting. It was fun and it was competitive to an extent, but can't read too much into it.

[@VietnamvetOG]

@@FloorandCeiling I agree but you can read the fact that Brandon miller at 6’9 is not blocking his turn around jumper. You must look into his play creation during 2024 because after playing The Perth wildcats Matas was injured for much of the 2023 portion for the season.

[@willr1080]

People who don't start out as good shooters, rarely become really good CONSISTANT shooters. They may work up to a good percentage for a year or two, but then it drifts in and out. There is no reason to believe he will ever shoot over 37% from the 3. And if that doesn't happen, he brings little to nothing to an NBA roster. He's 2 years away from contributing anything. Should be in college working on a shot and handles.

[@coachwalk7485]

if L. Ball can work himself into a 40% 3 pt shooter his last two years playing after coming into the league I have higher expectations for this dude.

[@mbwell]

Very risky for an NBA GM.

[@FloorandCeiling]

In what way?

[@mbwell]

@@FloorandCeiling Right now he looks one dimensional. If he turns-out to be an extraordinary shooter (Reggie Miller/Steph Curry level) it could be a Win-Win for the drafting GM. Otherwise, more exposure to enhance other attributes of his game are essential. Drafting him undeveloped means that that GM’s career could be short.

[@2024nbadraft]

He’s going to get a gm fired if he’s taken 5 or top 10

[@Kenny-bj2zq]

Man it was a terrible decision to go play for Ignite should have went to college would have better developed

[@FloorandCeiling]

I actually thought he developed pretty well with the Ignite, particularly in terms of becoming more comfortable playing off the ball, creating his own shot, and most of all defensively.

[@warzone_snipes4147]

Reminds me of Wagner

[@FloorandCeiling]

I think Wagner was further along as a playmaker and ballhandler coming out of Michigan, to be honest.

[@ericperales4505]

Dont see the hype he gonna get a GM fired 😂another luka samanic 😅him and sarr dont see hype look at alex sarr's brother is bench warmer and plays exactly the same 😅both gonna get GM's fired 😂

[@FloorandCeiling]

So I'm guessing you're high on Cody Williams then based on the brothers thing?

[@ericperales4505]

@@FloorandCeiling nope I want forsures rob dillingham first and nikola topic if we can get him second 🙏💯🔥🙌we get top 2 pg's to pair with wemby 🙏💯🔥🌺parker 2.0 and manu 2.0 plus you add jaylon tyson 🔥❤️all the scoring and pg's wemby needs to take load off...if you get risacher first then rob dillingham and steal jaylon tyson also juan nunez in place of nikola topic 😉 you win win in both scenarios 🔥💯get everything wemby/spurs need

[@markusburns329]

You're wrong

[@Justfranktbh]

This guy will get ppl fired man. Barely a top 10 to my eyes

[@FloorandCeiling]

How come?

[@na_k]

He will probably go top 10, but I'm not a fan either. Just seems to lack a true definitive skill and the aggressiveness. I'd be worried he won't develop. I hope my team stays far away from him. Going to a contending team that can be patient would probably be best for him.

[@shondarby-mcconnell1502]

Im not gonna lie here imma be pissed if he goes to Detroit he is too good of A prospect to waste away in Detroit now if he goes to San Antonio wit Wemby them 2 can possibly have them going in the right direction or if he falls to Charlotte thatll benefit him too

[@FloorandCeiling]

Buzelis' range is honestly wide open, but I cannot see him falling past #8 at most.

[@shondarby-mcconnell1502]

@@FloorandCeiling hell nawww thatz why id be pissed if Detroit picks him up bcuz I know if Spurs pass him at 4 the 5th pick is A lock 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️ but wat I like about him is he isnt afraid to take the big shot wen needed ie Bird Kobe Jordan mentality