Taking a look at the standings, most collectors are pleasantly surprised to see the Memphis Grizzlies surging through the ranks and claiming a top spot in the Western Conference. This development didn't happen overnight at all. In fact, the team went through a rebuilding phase that happened organically after Mike Conley and Marc Gasol left the franchise. Now, this young squad is making their impact felt across the NBA and the rookie cards of their key players are benefitting from it.
While Ja Morant is, without a doubt, the central piece of this team, there's always good value to be found from the guys surrounding him. Shown below are the crucial Memphis Grizzlies rookie cards to own before the postseason starts.
Steven Adams rookie cards
At the time Steven Adams was signed by the Grizzlies, a lot in the hobby thought how a non-shooting big man can fit alongside Morant. Some even saw the decision to send Jonas Valanciunas to the New Orleans Pelicans as a mistake since their former center was playing well last season. Turns out, Adams fit in Memphis is working just fine.
In the 56 games he has played this season, Adams grabbing 9.6 rebounds per contest. But it isn't just about getting boards when it comes to this big man. He's also actively playing the enforcer role in Memphis while becoming the ideal screener for his teammates. Bane himself added that Adams is the glue to this team's offense, which is a big thing to say about their center.
It isn't hard to imagine Adams getting significant minutes or making small, but consistent plays that help the Grizzlies' overall effort in the postseason. These factors make Adam's PSA 10 base Prizm rookie card an enticing option, especially at its current value of $34.
Brandon Clarke rookie cards
If the Grizzlies need a power forward who can both be consistent and efficient, they won't have to look far. They've already got that in Brandon Clarke. While his nightly averages of 10.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 1.1 blocks don't exactly pop out the screen, it's his 64% shooting efficiency from the field that's far more important. This allows Jaren Jackson Jr., their starter at the four, to rest and still have a reliable source of offense and defense from the bench.
Clarke and his contributions will come in handy during the postseason when a grueling series with any opponent will be decided by the depth of a team's bench and the quality of its reserves. When that time comes, his PSA 10 Prizm Silver rookie card will gain some heat in the market where it's currently worth $43.
Jaren Jackson Jr. rookie cards
Speaking of Jackson, having him around for a full season has been great for the Grizzlies. The fourth-year power forward/center can defend the post, play the pick and roll, and stretch the floor with his outside shot. This set of skills contributes to elevating Memphis' offense and giving it a new dimension.
That's why Jackson's role as a stretch big can mean so much to the Grizzlies when they face powerhouse teams like the Golden State Warriors and Phoenix Suns. Having him onboard will give Memphis extra firepower to help them gain an advantage in a seven-game series. At the same time, his PSA 10 Prizm Silver rookie card, which is worth$170, will get a boost once Jackson gets the chance to show what he can do in the postseason.
Desmond Bane rookie cards
There's a good reason why the Grizzlies can be found hanging out with the West's top-tier teams. Although Morant is the main culprit here, a good chunk of the blame can also be attributed to Desmond Bane.
From averaging 9.2 points in 22.3 minutes during his first year in the NBA, the sophomore is now notching 17.8 points on 45% shooting from the field, 41% from downtown, and 90% from the free throw line. He's also posting 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 steals in 30.2 minutes per game.
With the leap he's taking this year, it's no wonder the Grizzlies has found a reliable second option on offense to pair with Morant in the backcourt. At the same time, Bane's raw Prizm Silver rookie card is reflecting that said leap with a value of $33 in the market.
Ja Morant rookie cards
While every guys stated above plays a vital role for the Grizzlies, no one can be more important than Ja Morant. The All-Star point guard has been showing everybody what he can do with the ball in his hands since day one. And in this season alone, he's making a statement by averaging 26.7 points, 5.9 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
Thanks to an All-Star leap and leading the Grizzlies to a winning record, Morant's PSA 10 Prizm Silver rookie card has been catapulted to an upward trend. At this point in time, it's worth $1,711 in the market.
With the playoffs coming soon, there will be certain players from these teams that will enjoy a good boost. These guys from Memphis aren't a bad choice at all. Taking their good standing in the West and enticing rookie card options, there's little reason not to invest in them.
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