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2017 was a big year for basketball fans. Kevin Durant just won his first ring with the Golden State Warriors while Russell Westbrook became the regular season MVP by averaging a triple-double per game. In the Eastern Conference, Giannis Antetokounmpo was awarded the Most Improved Player while his then-teammate, Malcolm Brogdon, was honored as top rookie of the 2016-17 season.
Another reason why 2017 will never be forgotten by NBA fans is the draft class after that season. A lot of names were being hyped up before this event, like Markelle Fultz and Lonzo Ball.
To the expectation of everyone, these two players were indeed picked at number one and two by the Philadelphia 76ers and Los Angeles Lakers, respectively. While everyone was tremendously high on Fultz and Ball at that time, the rookies picked after didn’t garner the same level of hype these two players enjoyed.
Four years after, Fultz and Ball never really lived up to expectations. Two other players from their draft class took their places and made the jump to the next level – Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell.
For starters, Tatum is one of the premier wings in the league and boasts a complete game. Mitchell, on the other hand, is a dynamic scorer that can quickly fill up the sheets on any given night. Of these two young stars, which is the better investment for NBA card collectors?
The case for investing in Jayson Tatum
Take a look at the NBA right now and try finding an elite wing that can consistently play on both ends of the court. As it stands, Jayson Tatum is one of those players that can provide both quality buckets and stops on the floor.
In the 14 games Tatum has played this season, the fourth-year small forward is averaging 26.8 points, 7.1 rebounds, 3.6 assists, and a steal per game. He also boasts a 4.6 box plus/minus rating, the 19th best in the entire league. Only Kawhi Leonard and Khris Middleton have the better BPM score in the small forward position.
Tatum’s complete game is what draws card fans to him. He’s already one of the most popular young stars in the NBA and his card value is proof of that. If he maintains this kind of productivity, Jayson Tatum rookie cards will retain their value in the market.
Why you should steer clear from Jayson Tatum rookie cards
No matter how impressive Tatum plays every night, his card value has the chance to fall down if the Celtics won’t be able to go deep into the playoffs this year.
The Eastern Conference is currently stacked, with the likes of Kevin Durant and Giannis Antentokounmpo leading their squads. The Bucks, Nets, and even the 76ers boast a better roster than Boston. Outside of Tatum and Jaylen Brown, the Celtics have no answer against these top squads in the East.
The rapid emergence of Jaylen Brown also poses a threat to Jayson Tatum's future outlook. For as good as Tatum has become, Jaylen Brown has emerged as a bona fide first option during the games Tatum has missed.
The outlook on Jayson Tatum rookie cards isn’t that great if Boston fails to make a significant impact in the playoffs, nor if he potentially gets overshadowed by Jaylen Brown. Expect his card value to tumble down if that happens.
The case for investing in Donovan Mitchell
The Utah Jazz have been very impressive early in the season by nabbing the top spot in the entire NBA. This is a good sign for Donovan Mitchell and those who have invested in his NBA cards.
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Take a look at Utah’s roster and you’ll see why they’ve been on a tear lately. Rudy Gobert is there to anchor the team’s defense, which incidentally, is 6th best in the league. Mike Conley is running point and looking like his old self from Memphis. The Jazz are also getting quality offense from Bojan Bogdanovic and Jordan Clarkson, an early favorite of the Sixth Man of The Year award.
At the head of this well-oiled machine is Mitchell, who’s scoring 23.3 points per game. Thanks to his leadership and a talented roster, the Jazz are at the top of the standings. At the end of the day, Donovan Mitchell will had the ball in his hands to close games for the Jazz. Being the unquestioned alpha of a potential contender makes Donovan that much more appealing.
This is very favorable to Mitchell’s cards. The continued dominance of Utah will positively impact his stock. If the Jazz go beyond the second round this season, Donavan Mitchell rookie cards are going to shoot up in value.
Why you should steer clear from Donovan Mitchell rookie cards
When compared to Jayson Tatum, Donovan Mitchell can be seen as a two-trick pony. The Utah Jazz star is indeed a gifted scorer and can create quality plays for his teammates. His defense, on the other hand, is lackluster.
This season, Mitchell’s -1.6 defensive BPM score is worse than Tatum’s -0.3. His 6’0” frame also puts him at a disadvantage against taller guards in the league. If he fails to impact the game in other aspects or gets cold on the offensive end, Mitchell’s stock will definitely suffer.
The Verdict?
While it’s true that a winning team can affect a player’s value, the overall performance matters more. Card fans are enamored when a player can score, create plays for others, and consistently contain their opponents on a nightly basis.
In this regard, Jayson Tatum’s complete game makes him a better investment than Mitchell. Despite the fact that the Celtics aren’t seen as favorites in the East, Tatum will continue to improve over the years and become a much better player than his counterpart in Utah. His ceiling is astronomical, and despite the fact that his cards fetch a heftier price tag already, the chance at investing in a future all-time great is never going to be an overpay.
If value alone is to be considered, Tatum holds a better argument than Mitchell. Better stock up on his NBA cards now because the Celtics’ star is a much safer bet than Utah’s top dog.
