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A lot of basketball fans, especially NBA cards collectors, often display their reverence for the players belonging to the 2017-18 and 2018-19 Draft Class. Their appreciation for these two classes is a given because most of the NBA’s promising young stars were drafted during these years. The most notable names include Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Trae Young, and Donovan Mitchell, among others.
While this trend is evident among most fans, players from the 2016-17 Draft aren’t as popular as those from the two classes that followed. This really shouldn’t be the case because there are so many rookies from this draft that deserve more recognition.
Take a look at various teams in the league and you’ll see why. There’s Domantas Sabonis who’s having a career year in Indiana, along with Malcolm Brogdon. Jaylen Brown is taking another leap as an offensive force for the Celtics while Fred VanVleet is cementing his legacy in Toronto. There are also other notable stars from this class that have made their mark in the league, like Caris LeVert, Jamal Murray, and Pascal Siakam, among others.
Although those players are good in their own right, only two from the 2016-17 class can be considered as bona fide stars for their respective teams. These are Ben Simmons and Brandon Ingram. Of the two, who is the better investment for NBA card collectors?
The case for investing in Ben Simmons
A winning team will always have a good effect on a player’s cards. In this case, the main reason to invest in Ben Simmons rookie cards can be tied up to the Philadelphia 76ers record this season. They are currently in the Eastern Conference’s top spot with a 15-6 record and second behind the Utah Jazz in the entire league.
Some pundits are already forecasting that the 76ers will make a deep playoff run in the east, thanks to a well-structured roster that fits the talents of Simmons and Joel Embiid. In the event Philadelphia at least reaches the Eastern Conference finals, Simmons’ card value will definitely rise up as his team will count on him as their starting point guard.
Why you should steer clear from Ben Simmons rookie cards
Even though the 76ers greatly disappointed everyone last season, Ben Simmons was still a bright spot, thanks to his impressive performance as a legitimate two-way star. The same can’t be said this season.
Simmons is currently averaging 13.3 points, a downgrade from last season’s 16.4 per game. While his defensive box plus/minus rating slightly improved, Simmons role in Philadelphia’s offense has been relegated in favor of Embiid.
This regression in Simmons' performance does not bode well for his value in the NBA card market. As a result, his cards may stagnate, or even stumble if Philadelphia doesn’t go far in the postseason.
The case for investing in Brandon Ingram
The New Orleans Pelicans recently signed Brandon Ingram to a five-year $158 million max contract extension. This development is a clear sign that the organization believes in him as the team’s primary cornerstone.
B.I. is feelin' it 🔥
Back-to-back triples put @B_Ingram13 at 23 points and counting pic.twitter.com/GsegIkSAbT
— New Orleans Pelicans (@PelicansNBA) January 28, 2021
Ingram’s increased role as the Pelicans' top dog is a good thing for his card stock. The fifth-year forward boasts a complete game with averages of 23.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.6 assists in 34.9 minutes per contest. He’s also draining 37% of his 6.2 attempts from beyond the arc per game.
These numbers show how Ingram has progressed from his days as a Laker to the Pelicans’ number one option. Even with Zion Williamson developing well alongside him, his value remains bullish in the card market because of his impressive offense.
Why you should steer clear from Brandon Ingram rookie cards
The New Orleans Pelicans are currently in 14th place in the Western Conference with a 7-12 record. Some experts have attributed their disappointing performance to a number of factors, such as a slower style of play, Lonzo Ball’s regression, and a roster that doesn’t complement the strengths of Ingram and Williamson as their primary scorers. Whatever the case may be, Ingram's Pelicans just can't seem to put it all together.
NOLA’s poor record is not a good sign for Ingram’s card value. As stated earlier, a team’s standing impacts a player’s stock. If this continues, Ingram will be left behind by his contemporaries.
The Verdict?
When comparing these reasons against each other, Ingram’s ascension as an offensive force trumps Simmons and his role for the surging 76ers. The individual accomplishment of Ingram helps drive demand for his NBA cards better than that of his rival from Philadelphia. As his play gets better every year, winning Most Improved Player and making his first All-Star game, so should his value.
Despite the fact that the Pelicans seem to be stagnating already, it's probably going to work itself out sooner or later when you have two talents like Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson at the helm.
Ben Simmons meanwhile has seen his numbers regress and continues to be a clear sidekick to Joel Embiid. Unless Ben Simmons can one day control a team of his own and learn to develop the potential he flashed as a rookie, he may plateau for the time being – both on the court and for his card value.
Better accumulate your Brandon Ingram rookie cards now before he takes another leap soon.
