Top 3 Hottest Basketball Rookie Cards in 2022

With the popularity of basketball cards and really all sports cards soaring, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing a lot more basketball cards in circulation than ever before. From beloved  products like Panini NBA Hoops and Panini Revolution or even Panini Select and Panini National Treasures.

There are certain NBA players who will always be in high demand — LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo — but what I’ve noticed is very rarely do we see rookie card values start at this astronomical price tag like what we’ve seen from the likes of popular players like Zion Williamson, so we love to take our stab at those who we’d believe will be the most sought after cards from this past NBA Draft class. 

Who are the top 3 five hottest rookie cards to look for from the 2022 NBA Draft? Let this be a prospects list if you will for your basketball card personal collection.

With the popularity of basketball cards and really all sports cards soaring, it’s no surprise that we’re seeing a lot more basketball cards in circulation than ever before. From beloved sports card products like Panini NBA Hoops and Panini Revolution or even Panini Select and Panini National Treasures.

There are certain NBA players who will always be in high demand — LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo — but what I’ve noticed is very rarely do we see rookie card values start at this astronomical price tag like what we’ve seen from the likes of popular players like Zion Williamson, so we love to take our stab at those who we’d believe will be the most sought after cards from this past NBA Draft class. 

Who are the top 5 five hottest rookie cards to look for from the 2022 NBA Draft? Let this be a prospects list if you will for your basketball card personal collection.

3. F, Paolo Banchero, Orlando Magic 

There’s a lot of expectations that comes with being a 1st round pick but to be the 1st overall pick is even greater. Paolo Banchero went to the Orlando Magic as the number 1 pick of the 2022 NBA Draft straight off a great freshman season at Duke. Now as the foundational building block for the Magic, he is going to have to 

With other young talent in Orlando like guard Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony, we’ll see what this group is capable and if Paolo Banchero can come in and be an impact player right away. He has a chance to be one of the best rookies in the league, thus making him a prime chase for sports card investors.

2. G, Jaden Ivey, Detroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons used their first-round pick (5th overall) taking one of the most athletically impressive players in the NBA Draft. Jaden Ivey has the ability to play both guard positions and also shoot the ball well from deep. He’s got the size and athleticism to make him a force in the league. If he can continue his development and become a consistent shooter, then he will be a star in the making.

Now, he’s paired up with last season’s 1st overall pick and rookie point guard, Cade Cunningham, and this could turn out to be one of the most popular young duos in the NBA. Be prepared to see many highlights that could put Ivey on the radar to collectors as a young NBA star in the making.

1. C, Chet Holmgren, OKC Thunder

I know I know. Chet Holmgren will be out for the entire season, but if there was a player whose rookie card will skyrocket from the retail price to the auction price, it is him. The 2nd overall pick in the first round of the 2022 NBA Draft. the 7’3″ 20 year old out of Gonzaga is a unicorn. With the athletic ability to hang on the perimeter offensively, and the defensive ability to single-handedly protect the rim, we are looking at potentially one of the most unique talents the NBA has seen in a long time. 

If he plays to the potential scouts and analysts he will be an All-NBA team and All-Defensive Team guy, which means that Chet Holmgren autographed card or that Panini Contenders base rookie card is going to be quite the draw on the market. 

While there are a batch of rookies not mentioned in the top 3, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t capable of having great rookie seasons and being among sports card collectors shortlist for the chase. However, feel free to let me know which rookie you expect to have a big season and be a fan favorite among basketball card collectors at the end of the year.

Also, if you’re looking for a space to chat and expand your collection, hop on the Loupe app today with our trusted sellers to possibly collect rookies of today and even past and present superstars like Michael Jordan and Lebron James. Be sure to sign up too so you can get free Loupe credits to use on your first purchase!

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