The new NBA season is on the horizon, and with an awesome year and postseason capped with the Warriors winning the NBA Championship versus the Boston Celtics. We now have seen the growth and ascension of many basketball players.
Let’s be honest certain players and their cards will always be the most sought after on the market. Who wouldn’t want a Michael Jordan, LeBron James, or Steph Curry rookie card or their autographed cards for that matter. However this list is for the brightest stars who’s careers are still being molded and shaped.
Honorable Mention
PG Darius Garland, Cleveland Cavaliers
Not many players had a significant of a leap as Cleveland Cavaliers’ Darius Garland. Finishing the season averaging 21.7 points, 8.6 assists and 3.3 rebounds, and also making his first NBA All-Star game.
Darius Garland’s growth as a player last year has put the world on notice, and with the young supporting cast around him, expectations are high for the Cavs next season. If by chance, he is able to meet those expectations his basketball cards will be potentially 3 times more than what it is now.
Favorite Darius Garland Basketball Card: 2019 Panini Crown Royale Kaboom! #22 Darius Garland RC
G Jalen Green, Houston Rockets
The next up on our honorable mention list is Jalen Geen, the 2nd overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft. Jalen Green finished his rookie season averaging 17.3 points, 3.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists. But the world wants more from the dynamic guard.
Jalen Green’s basketball cards are on par with what you expect for a young player like him, but the room for growth is immense. A lot of analysts and basketball fans think that he can be one of the best scorers for the future generations in the NBA, and if that is the case basketball card collectors will be quite happy to see his value go up in the card market.
Favorite Jalen Green Basketball Card: Jalen Green 2021-22 National Treasures Collegiate (Base)
5. G Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
Cade Cunningham was deservingly the #1 overall pick of the 2021 NBA Draft – in the same draft class others on our list like Jalen Green. While Jalen Green is a special player and definitely can be one of the big movers in the card market in the future, but I believe Cade’s ceiling is a little higher. Cade Cunningham averaged 17.4 points, 5.6 assists and 5.5 rebounds.
Cade Cunningham basketball rookie cards are expected to only go up from here after showing he is one of brightest stars the NBA has to offer. The question is how high and how fast. Current players on the Pistons already love the talent and mindset that Cade brings to work, and as long as Cade can follow up with winning and accolades his rookie cards or autographed cars will be a fan favorite in personal collections everywhere.
Favorite Cade Cunningham Basketball Card: 2021-22 Cade Cunningham Panini Noir Rookie Autographs Rookie Card
4. G LaMelo Ball, Charlotte Hornets
I know this may be a bit controversial when you see number 3 on our list, but let me clear that this not a slight to the 6’8″ point guard, Lamelo Ball. Ball entered the NBA as the most popular player in the 2020 NBA Draft Class, but since being in the league that popularity is rivaled by one of his contemporaries.
However he sits outside of our top 3 because the LaMelo Ball card market is somewhat of a mix bag. According to reports, Ball’s card value has actually dropped, yet the right Lamelo Ball rookie card or autographed card could be worth rent in some areas. He still makes our list because this could easily shift with more success on the court. Right now Lamelo isn’t getting the national screen time we’ve expected but once that changes we’ll definitely see a spike in demand on his basketball cards.
Favorite LaMelo Ball Basketball Card: 2020-21 Panini Court Kings LaMelo Ball Rookie Card Rookies IV – #196
3. G Anthony Edwards, Minnesota Timberwolves
Anthony Edwards is a gem to basketball fans and basketball card collectors alike. As the number 1 overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft. After a very strong year helping the Timberwolves get to the NBA Play-In and showing out on the national scale, the casual basketball fan and the sports card market are catching up — in a hurry — to the rising star that is Anthony Edwards .
Just recently an Anthony Edwards national treasures rookie card sold for $99,000 and I believe that this only the beginning. Edwards is proving talent-wise he’s worthy of all the attention, if he can stay on the right path and become one of the best players his cards will continue to soar and be sought after by basketball card collectors.
Favorite Anthony Edwards Basketball Card: 2020 Panini Contenders Optic Rookie Ticket Anthony Edwards RC
2. F Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
I’m fully aware that Zion Williamson has been on and off the injury report since entering the league, but the fact remains that whenever we see him play. He is one of the most athletically gifted basketball players of this rising generation. Ultimately, leading to this worldwide popularity in the sports card industry. Taking a chance to get Zion Williamson autographed cards can be a great investment.
Favorite Zion Williamson Basketball Card: 2019-20 Panini Illusions Zion Williamson Rookie Card #151
1. G Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
For a moment, Luka Doncic was carrying comparisons to James Harden, now after four seasons he stands as his own player and one of the young faces of the NBA. Luka Doncic has played in the NBA for four years and averaged 26.4 points, 8.5 rebounds and 8.0 assists while already amassing awards like NBA’s Rookie of the Year, and All-NBA (3 times).
Yet, with so much success early on in his career, we all foresee a space where he wins MVP awards and even championships; and if that happens sports card collectors who bought in on Luka Doncic rookie cards and autographed cards will be rewarded handsomely.
Favorite Luka Doncic Basketball Card: 2018-19 Panini National Treasures Luka Doncic RC #127 Autograph Patch #/99
No matter if you a sucker for the more expensive basketball card products like Panini National Treasures or you prefer to go the more affordable route with Panini Prizm Basketball and Panini NBA Hoops. Or if you prefer base cards over insert sets, the fact remains that these players are worth the chase.
And if you’re looking for a space to chat and continue your love for basketball card collecting, hop on the Loupe app today with our trusted sellers to possibly collect rookies of today and even past and present superstars from Michael Jordan to LeBron James. Be sure to sign up too so you can get free Loupe credits to use on your first purchase!
