While last year's Draft Class isn't as strong as those in 1996, 2003, or even 2018, it can't be denied that certain young stars from that year are defying expectations right now. Anthony Edwards, for example, is on his way to his first playoff appearance and looks to have a great future ahead of him in the league, as well as a rising stock in the market. But NBA card collectors shouldn't just focus on the Minnesota Timberwolves' star when the playoffs begin soon.
We take a look below at two other young stars who can make an impact in the hobby by performing well in the postseason for their respective squads.
Tyrese Maxey NBA cards
Tyrese Maxey's incredible jump from year one in the NBA to year two has been nothing short of impressive. Even with all the Ben Simmons-related drama surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers for most of the season, the sophomore clearly stepped up to the plate and became a vital piece for his team.
This can be clearly seen in the numbers Maxey posted during his second season in the league. In the 75 games he played, 74 of which as the Sixers' starting point guard, the sophomore averaged 17.5 points on 48% shooting from the field, 42% from beyond the arc, and 86% from the free throw line. The young star also made 3.2 rebounds and 4.3 assists in 35.3 minutes per contest.
This is a clear leap from his first year as a rookie, one where he only notched 8 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2 assists in 15 minutes per game. Needless to say, his improvement comes at a perfect time as the Sixers push to go deep in the postseason this year. And with Joel Embiid and James Harden in the lineup, there's a pretty good chance this team can do so.
And speaking of leaps, Maxey's insane game against the Memphis Grizzlies earlier this year just proves how much he has improved. In that contest, the sophomore guard went toe-to-toe against Ja Morant and notched 33 points, 8 assists, and 4 steals to get the 122-119 win for the Sixers. This performance, of course, is just one of the many reasons why his current PSA 10 Prizm rookie card value has gone up from $152 to $232 in just a matter of days. In any case, his stock is one worth keeping an eye on during the playoffs.
Desmond Bane NBA cards
Being picked last during the first round of the Draft normally doesn't do any favors for rookies. In the case of Desmond Bane, it has only made his case as one of the top breakout players this season much stronger.
In 76 games this season, the second-year guard for the Grizzlies averaged 18.2 points on 46% shooting from the field, 43% from deep, and 90% from the free throw line while making 4.4 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per contest. This is a significant improvement from his time as a rookie when he posted 9.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.
And while these numbers look great on paper, his performance on the court is enough proof of Bane's impressive leap this year. The sophomore's game against the Phoenix Suns late last year is a pretty good example for NBA card collectors.
In that contest, Bane logged 32 points on efficient 54/54/100 shooting splits while adding 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block. Along with Ja Morant's 33 points, the Grizzlies get a close 114-113 win over Phoenix. Of course, this game is just one of the many that have positively affected Bane's PSA 10 Prizm Silver rookie card, which is now valued at $526. It's not hard to imagine this price can still go up more if the young star performs well in the playoffs.
Anthony Edwards NBA cards
While LaMelo Ball has been the hotter rookie when it comes to basketball cards, Anthony Edwards will be the one to go to the playoffs first before the Charlotte Hornets' All-Star. Rightfully so because last year's number one pick has been playing well for a Timberwolves squad that has surprised many by making the postseason.
This season alone, Edwards has improved by raising his numbers to 21.3 points per game on 44% shooting from the field, 35% from downtown, and 78% from the foul line while adding 4.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 1.5 steals. His offensive box score, one of the primary stats that measure his scoring ability, has also gone up from -0.4 to 1.6 this year.
Without a doubt, Edwards' offense is looking better this season than the last one. The best look into his evolution as a scorer can be seen during a match against the San Antonio Spurs earlier this month. In that contest, the Timberwolves' star notched 49 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, and a single steal in 39 minutes on the floor. His amazing performance that night helped Minnesota get the 127-121 win over the Spurs.
That game, and Minnesota's return to the playoffs, are great catalysts for
to rise in the market. At this point in time, there's a pretty good chance his PSA 10 Prizm Silver rookie card, which is valued at $960, can go hot, especially if he goes on a scoring binge against Memphis in the first round.
These three sophomores should be on the radar of every NBA card collector who owns them out there. If they go bonkers in the postseason, their rookie card values can make a momentary spike, which can be a good signal to sell them. Of course, it pays to keep a close eye on their games because this increase can only last for a day or two. In any case, these second-year stars are worth monitoring in the coming weeks.
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