The Chicago Bulls are…something.
- Fast: Yes, after years of slow iso ball, they have a more modern, uptempo offense. They even *gasp* shoot threes!
- Loose: No, they don’t play defense. Buckets will be scored, and opposing teams will feast.
- Mid: We play up—and down—to the competition with a roster that’s built for mediocrity. Either way, Jerry Reinsdorf’s selling tickets.
But among the high highs and low lows of Bulls fandom is a Chicago area native that seems poised for stardom: Matas Buzelis.
Since being drafted 11th overall in 2024, the versatile 6’8” forward has stepped into a prominent role for the Bulls, averaging a respectable 8.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1 assist, and nearly 1 block per game during his rookie year on his way to 14.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.4 blocks in what has been a standout, albeit inconsistent, sophomore season. The kid can play, just ask Luka Doncic, and he’s only 21 years old.
The latest hometown kid to feature for the Bulls has a bright future ahead of him—and collectors have taken notice, gravitating towards the ultimate benchmark for any player: their rookie cards. As Buzelis continues to add to his collection of poster dunks, Mantel has put together a list of the best “Lil Buzi Vert’s” RCs for collectors that want to buy in to the Bulls before their next play-in disappointment.
- Logoman One of One: You might be surprised to see this atop the rankings, but I’m going to be subjective here and say that nothing beats a Logoman—even if the wallets of some collectors disagree with me. The photo of Buzelis taking the ball up the court is clean, especially when it’s above an italic “One of One” and an on-card auto. The only question is if the initial seller will regret not holding this for longer.
- Kaboom: Most rank this set below Downtown, but the artwork, featuring Buzelis mid-flight, ready to yam, is what sells me here.
- Downtown: Buzelis truly is a bull in a China shop. Rising up through the lane, ball-in-hand, ready to throw it down. The crown jewel of Optic is befitting of the Bulls’ then-rookie stud.
- Flawless: Every Bulls fan—and every basketball fan—knows about the six rings. To see Matas’ mop of a haircut next to the jersey tag proudly displaying the team’s half dozen championships is a sight to behold. If only the red parallel had a lower print for the team color match!
- Origins: Not everyone is as high on this set as I am (there’s a theme here). And I get it! If you’re paying premium money, you want an on-card auto, not a sticker. But this set means something to collectors—perhaps more so now that Panini’s NBA license has ended.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: What about National Treasures? Or maybe it’s, “How could you possibly leave a Black Nebula off this list? Well fear not, because we’ve got some honorable mentions, too.
- Prizm:I know, I know. Topps Chrome is what everyone’s after these days. But Matas’ rookie year will be remembered for his Prizm, whether it’s silver or gold. This one’s a long-term hold for me.
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- National Treasures: It’s the staple, and, for some, the pinnacle, of rookie cards. While it won’t come cheap (a real understatement), pairing the NT brand with a Logoman seems befitting of the player that might be asked to carry the torch for one of the league’s most iconic franchises in the years to come.
- Mosaic Color Blast:Not everyone likes horizontal cards, but man, are these gorgeous. The card is as clean as they come, and, thanks to its signature style, stands out from the rest.
- Manga:Matas might not be part of the Jelly Fam, but this layup is smooth. A true chase card, this one has a display-worthy design you’ll be proud to keep on the shelf.
- Rated Rookie FOTL:Buzelis knows how to take off, cock it back, and throw it down. While FOTL isn’t as popular as the classic Rated Rookie set, this shot perfectly encapsulates his soon-to-be-iconic dunking style.
Are you a Bulls fan invested in the future of Matas Buzelis? Let us know what you’re collecting, and make sure to share your biggest Bulls pulls on Mantel.
