Matas Buzelis Scouting Report: Pro Comps and Predictions for 2024 NBA Draft Prospect
Matas Buzelis Full Scouting Report
Organization: G League Ignite
Nationality: USA/Lithuania
Age: 19
Position: SF
Size: 6'8", 209 lbs
Despite the G League Ignite's disappointing record, NBA scouts are still acknowledging why Matas Buzelis was viewed as a No. 1 overall candidate entering the season.
While he's no longer part of that conversation, not much has changed regarding his easy-to-picture fit and the appeal of his particular body type and skill set.
An ankle injury also cost Buzelis valuable minutes early in the season, delaying the time it took for his comfort level and confidence to rise. Inconsistency is one of the big reasons scouts aren't as trusting in him, while positional size, scoring versatility and athleticism provide traits that have kept evaluators patient.
Projected Role, Pro Comps, Best Team Fits
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Projected role: Jumbo wing scorer/handler
Pro comparisons: Franz Wagner, Lamar Odom, Hedo Turkoglu, Tony Kukoc
Best team fits: San Antonio Spurs, Charlotte Hornets, Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzleis
At 6'8", Buzelis will continue to play on and off the ball with his ability to initiate fast breaks, create in space and catch-and-shoot. He hasn't shown enough ball-handling to be used as a top option, but he can make plays for himself and others as a secondary weapon off spot-ups and dribble handoffs.
In the short term, he'll act as a complementary scorer in the half court.
Ideally, Buzelis' handle and command tighten and he's used more like Wagner or Odom was considering their ability to play some point-wing and run pick-and-rolls. Buzelis was also a better shooter in high school than in the G League, and there is still plenty of optimism that his three-point shot will return to being a plus on the scouting report.
Draft Projection
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Draft ceiling: Top five
Draft floor: Late lottery
It's possible that teams at the top of this draft look at his 6'8" size, shotmaking versatility, open-floor handles, athleticism at the rim—and bet on the archetype and development, instead of putting stock into inconsistency from a small sample size for a 19-year-old in the G League.
Teams could value Buzelis highly if they see both safety tied to his fit and upside in a big, potentially two-way scoring wing.
It's also possible Buzelis is still on the board in the late lottery if enough teams prefer to avoid the possibility of him being too soft against contact, not quick enough to beat defenders or unreliable from three.
Physical Tools and Athleticism
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At 6'8", Buzelis has plus size and athleticism for a wing player. That athleticism pops most on finishes above the rim and blocked shots when he shows how effortlessly he can elevate.
He lacks upper-body strength, which becomes evident on drives. Physical defense can keep him from getting to spots.
But otherwise, he has bounce and foot speed for defending in space. And adding some bulk over the next few years could turn Buzelis into a positional mismatch given his guard/perimeter skills.
Signature Strengths
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Open-floor scoring/finishing
Dangerous in transition with long strides, coordination and the ability to get right above the rim, Buzelis is also tough in the half court while attacking in space. His handle can be effective when he's not tightly pressured, and he demonstrates advanced footwork off the dribble for getting to spots. At his height, he typically has a finishing advantage on the move when guarded by wings.
Shotmaking versatility
The percentages make it difficult to call Buzelis a shooter, but he's capable of hitting jump shots in a variety of ways. Pull-ups, step-backs, post fallaways and runners are all in his bag. Off the ball, he's a threat from the three-point wings and corners. Consistent execution will take his scoring to a newer, higher level.
On-ball defensive potential
Buzelis wound up putting together an impressive defensive highlight reel, mostly of on-ball sequences sliding his feet and blocking shots. He has the potential to be a difficult one-on-one cover to get clean shots off against.
Weaknesses
5 of 5Self-creation execution
Buzelis shows some creativity, but he didn't regularly execute moves or shots cleanly. He can be loose with the ball when pressured. And a lack of strength and burst limited how much separation he could get, usually when trying to blow by a defender. Buzelis skeptics don't see a player who's built to be a top option.
Shooting consistency
Shooting needs to be a strength of Buzelis. It was pegged as one when scouts initially thought he could be the No. 1 overall pick back in October. Instead, he shot 26.1 percent from deep, finishing 14 games without making a three.
Aggression/impact
Only 2.0 free-throw attempts in 31.0 minutes per game highlights Buzelis' finesse-heavy style of play. When the Ignite were at full strength, he also played more of a background role. You didn't feel his impact enough when he was on the floor.
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