Matas Buzelis on the Love of the Game, Playing in the G League, and Player Comps | Ringer NBA

The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor is joined by top 2024 draft prospect Matas Buzelis. They cover Matas’s time with the G League, player comparisons, his love of the game, and more.
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[@valis14]

Matas definitely growing more comfortable in interviews in the sense that he's actually said conflicting things. In one interview during the Combine he mentioned that he didn't love basketball growing up, that he was really into swimming and only changed his mind later on, only to then contradict himself a few minutes later saying he loved it. In that interview where he called out Rischacher he said there weren't any players he really liked or followed or wanted to be like, with the exception of Jonas Valančiūnas because he was a mentor to him through his Dad. So he's augmenting and evolving his interview style and getting better -- maybe his game will be the same way? Let's hope so because at the combine, the outside shot didn't fall and that's really the litmus test. If Matas could shot Risacher's % from 3, he would be the consensus #1 or #2 overall pick and it wouldn't be a question, considering his size/frame.

[@emiliothepoet]

To me this kid has it all! I don’t expect his shot to be great Year one but they is expected since he’s so young. But love how he identifies certain players and appreciates what they bring to the game like a Jayden McDaniels. Look how great Minnesota was compared to last season especially since he got hurt? He fits a huge role. Excited to watch him in Chicago

[@slamdunk2270]

I would draft him as the number one pick. He has everything: personality, talent, size, defense, and shooting potential. I still believe his shooting ability is there. Give him 2 or 3 years, and his shooting will improve (I think he could exceed 35%). However, his shooting mechanics concern me. Coaching staffs' expertise in developing a player's shooting varies significantly from one franchise to another.

[@michaelahurt]

What don’t you like about the mechanics? It’s a short compact shot with a high release and few moving parts. It’s pretty much exactly what you teach. He shoots a soft ball and a lot of his misses are short which typically indicates a lack strength. Something that will naturally correct as he fills out

[@smooooooooo]

Welcome to Chi-Town!

[@tylenhudson2913]

Bulls are trading up for bro , gon be a star

[@Christo_Trismegistus]

#11!!!!!!

[@emiliothepoet]

You nailed the Bulls pick and didn’t have to trade up to get him!

[@kevinstar4621]

these interviews are awesome

[@Keeb5ter]

Good interview. It gave fans a chance to see more of Matas personality. Not sure if his shot will come around, but it seems like he will do what he can to try and get it there.

[@lerrato6027]

Welcome home Matas!

[@TheSportsandFilmFellowship]

💯💯 I think he’s the second best player in the draft after Zaccharie. He reminds me of Brandon Ingram or Franz with Paul George upside.

[@lildj4real]

Bro going to be raw.. I picked him all the time in my 2k online league & he’s from Chicago as well..Yup We Got Us One Yall..💯💪🏾

[@MonaliZ54]

🔥

[@Tain950]

I really want my Spurs to get Risacher or Matas Buzelis at 4

[@Nefarious24]

For sure

[@silewis9396]

Very likeable. His range is probably Spurs at 4, Detroit at 5, Charlotte at 6 Portland at 7 to Spurs again at 8. My guess is Portland but wherever he lands i hope he gets the chance to showcase his full skillset

[@VizzleCizzle]

Matas To Detroit!

[@bugattist1319]

Welcome to Detroit basketball

[@grimlockthethrasher1]

Blazer

[@jwordxyz]

Spurs

[@MateusNascimento_]

Paul George ? kkk

[@chillelitegaming]

Rockets

[@jacquesonu5905]

Same - I think his fit would be excellent. I think his shot has a chance to be lethal, and his athleticism will continue to grow as he fills his frame. I’ve heard that Ime likes versatility, and Matas is the most versatile player in the draft

[@macmoll]

Kobe’s the G.O.A.T.? What?! I can’t trust anyone who says Kobe was the G.O.A.T.. Favorite player… fine… I guess but he’s definitely not the Greatest Of All Time. Kobe is barely top 5.

[@julyvincentdelapiedra741]

Its his own opinion. No problem with me

[@holiday42020]

Cry about it