NBA Draft Scouting Report: G League Ignite's Matas Buzelis
Matas Buzelis
Wing | G League Ignite
Height: 6'10” | Weight: 195 lbs
2024 Draft Age: 19.69
Bruce Stidham-USA TODAY NETWORK
Prospect Profile
In what should be another intriguing G League Ignite class next season, Matas Buzelis will be the headliner. The Lithuanian prospect grew up in Illinois and will now have a legitimate shot at being on of the top picks in the 2024 NBA Draft.
A skilled 6-foot-10 point forward, it’s the versatility that will be appealing to NBA teams. He should be able to play upwards of four positions at the next level if he continues to polish a few aspects of his game. Most notably, he will need to get a tighter handle on the ball and get stronger overall as the level of competition increases.
Even then, the combination of size and skill that Buzelis possesses today is wildly impressive. He sees the floor extremely well for his size and has a natural feel for the game. He’s a flashy prospect that has great touch from all over the floor, but still has work to do from the perimeter. His 3-point jumper has some small tweaks that could he made to the mechanics, but the long-term outlook as a shooter is promising.
Buzelis also needs to improve as a defender, but that should come naturally as he gets older and his body matures. He’ll have a real test playing against grown men in the G League next season, so he will have every opportunity to show he’s ready to make the jump to the NBA in 2024.
We’ve seen several Ignite prospects really solidify themselves as lottery selections taking the G League path over the past few years, so this should work out once again for Buzelis assuming he performs at the level he is capable of.
The former five-star recruit is a Nike Hoop Summit and USA Basketball standout that’s already proven he can shine on the big stage. He won New Hampshire Gatorade Player of the Year at Brewster Academy before going to Sunrise Christian Academy.
Buzelis grew up in a family of hoopers, as both of his parents played professionally in Lithuania before immigrating to the United States.
During 2023 NBA All-Star Weekend, Buzelis really increased his stock at the Basketball Without Borders Showcase in Salt Lake City where he looked fantastic. From there, he looked great at GEICO Nationals and the various events that showcased the top players in his class.
Everything has been put in place for Buzelis to have a clear path to becoming lottery pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. It will be about showing continued growth and adapting quickly to the G League game with the Ignite.
Highlights
Draft Projection
Early lottery pick in 2024 NBA Draft.
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