In years past, there have been several players who stole the show despite not being seen as a top NBA Draft prospect when they were selected. You’ve got guys like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Pascal Siakam, to name a few. This year, there are bound to be a couple of young studs who can become big names in the future.
Of course, it isn’t just on the court where the potential of these guys can be fully realized. Their card stock will rise up along with them as well. We take a look at four names from the 2021 NBA Draft who have a chance to rise above and become massive NBA card steals as early as next year.
4. James Bouknight Rookie Cards
A lot of people expected James Bouknight to at least make the top 10 of this NBA Draft because of his improved jumper displayed in pre-draft workouts. Fortunately, the Charlotte Hornets were there to pick him up at No. 11 and prevent him from falling further. With his athleticism and perimeter prowess next to LaMelo Ball, Buzz City’s backcourt may leave everybody breathless.
That’s why even as early as now, shades of Donovan Mitchell or CJ McCollum can be seen in Bouknight. If he even develops into half of those players, his cards will be a great steal down the line.
3. Alperen Sengun Rookie Cards
When a team trades two future first-round picks to get a certain player, there’s a reason behind it. That’s exactly what the Houston Rockets sent out to the Oklahoma City Thunder just to obtain Alperen Sengun with the 16th pick of this NBA Draft.
🇹🇷 Alperen Sengun ('02) has been selected by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 16th position of the 2021 NBA Draft. This pick will be traded to the Houston Rockets pic.twitter.com/v6ScdBtWfQ
— Eurohopes (@Eurohopes) July 30, 2021
Unknown to many, Sengun was actually the MVP for one of the toughest leagues outside of the NBA: the Turkish League. Only 19, the rookie center possesses playmaking skills and the ability to score from the post and beyond the perimeter. With enough time, Sengun has the chance to develop into a modern NBA big every team will want to have. This potential outcome will definitely impact his cards the right way.
2. Kai Jones Rookie Cards
One of the biggest pieces the Charlotte Hornets need is a modern big man who can make an impact. It seems Buzz City has placed their hope on the young shoulders of Kai Jones, a 6-foot-11 20-year-old center from the University of Texas.
CONGRATULATIONS to Kai Jones (@242_jones), selected 19th in the 2021 NBA Draft.
Kai is heading to the Charlotte Hornets.
🇧🇸🇧🇸🇧🇸 pic.twitter.com/f35HSraM8O— Our News Bahamas (@OurNewsRev) July 30, 2021
In his two-year collegiate career, Jones showed he can protect the rim, catch lobs, and defend multiple positions. While he still has a lot of room to improve, the Hornets are more than willing to give him a chance due to the lack of frontcourt talent on their roster. Since there will be a lot of opportunity for Jones to play, expect his card value to be more prominent among collectors.
1. Josh Giddey Rookie Cards
Even though Josh Giddey was taken sixth by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2021 NBA Draft, most fans still choose to focus their attention on other draft picks. What these folks don’t know is that this 6-foot-8 guard has the potential to surprise everyone when the regular season starts.
For one, Giddey mixes impressive playmaking skills with his above-average height to truly impact his team’s offense. The thought of him sharing the backcourt with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander as they orchestrate the Thunder’s offense can become a problem for opposing squads. When this happens, collectors can expect his rookie card value to be more visible.
It pays to keep an eye on those low-key rookies who have a strong chance to go supernova on the court. Before that happens, position yourselves early in the card market so you can easily reap the rewards after.
Follow Us
Subscribe