Author: Monojit Mandal
The dust from the recently concluded 2023 NBA draft has only just settled, but fans and clubs are already looking ahead to next year’s draft, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the next incredible talent that could change the fate of their organization.
Chicago native Matas Buzelis caught the attention of basketball fans in 2024. Many think he has what it takes to become the first overall pick, following in the footsteps of Victor Wembanyama, who did so this year.
Buzelis was born in Chicago to Lithuanian parents and attended three different high schools before graduating from Sunrise Christian Academy in Kansas. In March, he reached the pinnacle of his high school career by participating in the renowned McDonald’s All-American Game in Houston. Despite his excellent performance, the big college basketball programs were no longer interested in him.
Buzelis’ choice to forgo NCAA basketball and instead participate in the NBA G League Ignite last year influenced this shift in recruiting focus. Over the last three years, the Ignite program has produced renowned players such as Jalen Green and Scoot Henderson, both of whom were chosen in the first three picks of the NBA draft.
Buzelis, who is of medium height, shows exceptional ball handling skills that defy expectations for a player of his size. He is known for his agility, great rebounding ability and consistent outside shot.
Matas BuzelisThis June, Buzelis and his G League Ignite teammate Ron Holland could become the first group of teammates to be selected among the first three picks in the history of the NBA Draft. As spring approaches, it will become clear which of the two players has the best chance of landing the coveted first overall pick.
Several clubs are expected to suffer in the 2023/24 NBA season, increasing their chances of being selected high in the draw. After the recent transactions that sent Kristaps Porzingis to Boston and Bradley Beal to Phoenix, the Washington Wizards are expected to be among the worst teams in the league. The Detroit Pistons, who have one of the youngest teams in the league, finished with 65 losses last season and are expected to finish near the bottom again this season.