It takes more than an All-Star or two to capture win a title in the NBA. Apart from a skilled coaching staff that can bring a team together, there has to be a bench of talented guys who can step up at a moment’s notice. While the NBA card hobby is going crazy over Giannis Antetokounmpo or Chris Paul cards, there is a pretty strong case to be made for their teammates on the bench.
Sure, star players can receive massive jumps in value for adding another accolade to their resume. But when a player jumps out from relative obscurity to showcase his talents under the fiery crucible of playoff basketball, people will take notice. His NBA cards will erupt alongside that attention as well. Shown below are three of the best reserve players from the Phoenix Suns vs. Milwaukee Bucks NBA Finals series that collectors can invest in.
Suns-Bucks NBA Card Value Picks
3. Bobby Portis
Who would’ve thought that the guy who punched the daylights out of Nikola Mirotic a few years ago is now playing for the Bucks in the NBA Finals? Well, no one did. And quite honestly, it’s a pleasant surprise to see someone go from being the league’s poster boy for anger management to a solid contributor.
Just take his recent performance against the Atlanta Hawks in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. With the Greek Freak out with an injury, Portis stepped in and capably filled the two-time MVP’s void by posting 22 points and eight rebounds in 35 minutes as a starter. Thanks to his big night, the Bucks were able to eliminate Atlanta the following game and make their way to the Finals after.
Now that he’s not punching or raging against anyone, Portis’ stock in the NBA card market is showing some potential. As of now, the PSA 10 value for his 2015 Prizm Silver rookie card is at $90. All things considered, this is still a very affordable price and it can go up if the Bucks overcome Phoenix in the Finals. While this can be considered as a long shot for Bobby Portis cards, weirder things have happened to him anyway.
2. Cameron Payne
There was a time when the only notable thing Cameron Payne was known for is his pre-game dance ritual with the Brodie himself, Russell Westbrook. After the hype for that was done, the point guard looked like he was about to fade quietly away from the NBA.
But, as fortune may have it, the NBA wasn’t done with Payne at all. After missing a significant amount of time from the league, the point guard was called back by Phoenix to play in the Bubble. Payne showed up, balled out, and hasn’t looked back since.
Now, in his first Finals appearance, Payne has proven to everyone why he belongs in the NBA. The scrappy guard learned how to create his own shot, and ably filled in for Chris Paul when the All-Star was out due to health protocols. With that opportunity, Payne poured 29 points and nine assists to help Phoenix win Game 2 in their series against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Like Portis before him, Payne is an intriguing NBA card investment option. At any time, he can come off the bench and get buckets at will. When that happens, his 2015 Prizm Silver rookie card, which has a PSA 10 value of $102, will shoot up and surprise everyone.
1. Cameron Johnson
At first look, Cameron Johnson may come off more as a free spirit hippie with a funky hairdo rather than an actual NBA player. But while appearances are deceiving, the sophomore is an integral part of the Suns’ reserve unit.
In 20 minutes off the bench, Johnson averages 8.2 points on 50% shooting from the field, 45% from downtown, and 89% from the foul line. When Phoenix needs a bucket or two, especially when their starters are resting, Johnson can come in and keep the offense pounding in favor of his team. Thanks to his timely contributions in key playoff games, the value of his PSA 10 2019 Prizm silver rookie is up from $77 at the end of June to $180 this week.
These three are just the most notable reserves from both teams who have a chance to break out in the Finals. There’s always a chance for other players to come out of nowhere to win a game or two for their respective squads. Better keep your eyes peeled for these guys and their stock in the NBA card market.
Follow Us
Subscribe