As the regular season approaches its end, collectors can now identify which first-year players and their NBA cards are worth investing in. In this regard, mad props should be given to the likes of Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, and Scottie Barnes, to name a few. But as great as these young stars are, there's another group of rookies who are flying below the radar, both on the court and in the card market.

The great thing about these guys is that their values haven't skyrocketed yet but they have the potential to take a leap in their respective careers sooner than later. When that happens, their present prices will give those fortunate enough to invest in them a lot of room to grow from a price perspective. We take a look below at who these guys are and why they can be a good option for card collectors out there.

Cam Thomas NBA cards

It's pretty hard to stand out in a team that has Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving in it. At some point this season, there was even James Harden leading the Brooklyn Nets before he was traded to the Philadelphia 76ers. But the challenge only made Cam Thomas' star shine brighter out there.

Cam Thomas, Nets

While his averages of 9.2 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 1.3 assists don't seem to pop out, his numbers per 36 minutes are far more promising. With this stipulation in mind, Thomas can go for 17.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and a steal per game if he can play 36 minutes for the Nets. These stats help show what the rookie can do, especially since the Nets have always experienced trouble in keeping their backcourt healthy or available.

Of course, it isn't just about the numbers when it comes to Thomas. At times when the Nets need to close out games, the rookie has stepped up and delivered the results his team needs from him. If he gets more minutes and touches to develop into a deadly scorer, opposing squads will have more to worry about than Durant and Irving on the floor. At the same time, collectors can expect those Cam Thomas rookie cards to shoot up when that potential scenario happens.

Moses Moody NBA cards

At this point in time, Moses Moody is just averaging 11.7 minutes per game for the Golden State Warriors. Although his time on the court is limited, his per 36 minutes is showing something more. If given a chance to play more, the rookie's numbers can go up to 13.8 points on 43% shooting from the field and 34% from deep, 5.2 rebounds, and 1.4 assists.

While that won't be the case in Golden State, there will come a time when these young stars will be called to step up, especially since the trio of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson is getting old. Even head coach Steve Kerr recognizes Moody's potential for the franchise.

This is a great sign, especially since Moses Moody's stock in the card market isn't as hot as Cunningham or Mobley's. Once this young stud hits his stride, expect his cards to gain more fans in the hobby.

Alperen Sengun NBA cards

For the past few weeks, Jalen Green has risen above the criticisms thrown his way and is currently living up to his draft standing. The thing is, the Houston Rockets' second pick isn't the only rookie worth checking out. There's still their 16th pick, Alperen Sengun.

The 6'9″ big man from Turkey is certainly flying below the radar by playing limited minutes behind the Rockets' starting center, Christian Wood. With the time given to him, Sengun is posting 9 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 0.8 steals, and a single block per contest. Extend his playing time to 36 minutes and those numbers will go up to 16.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game.

But if those numbers aren't enough, his latest game against the Los Angeles Lakers might do the trick. In the event Houston trades Wood to help their rebuild, expect Sengun and his rookie cards to become more prominent in the market.

Bones Hyland NBA cards

While losing Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. this season has set the Denver Nuggets back, Bones Hyland is more than thankful for the opportunity to step up to the challenge. With Nikola Jokic carrying the team's offense, the All-Star big man could certainly use all the help he can get, especially since the postseason is coming soon.

As of now, the rookie is just playing 17.7 minutes per game, which amounts to 8.9 points on 38% shooting from the field and 40% from downtown, while making 2.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists. Extend his playing time to 36 minutes and fans can see Hyland go up to a projection of 18.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per contest.

But apart from all these numbers, Hyland can potentially develop into a deadly shooter in the coming years. Even if Murray and Porter return, the Nuggets could use someone with his talents, either as a starter or a from the bench. And with a first name like Bones, it won't be hard to grow his following in the rookie card market.

Jonathan Kuminga NBAcards

While most of the market has been hot on Cade Cunningham or Evan Mobley cards, there's a growing segment of the hobby that has been intrigued by the potential of Jonathan Kuminga. One look at the rookie and collectors will see that he has the size, athleticism, and skill to become one of Golden State's most important players after the Curry-Green-Thompson era. This can be clearly seen in his per 36 minutes averages of 20.3 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.

But rather dwell on those projections, the future can be clearly seen when the Warriors faced the Chicago Bulls earlier this year. In that match, Kuminga posted 25 points on 83% shooting from the field and 50% from three while adding 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 blocks, and a steal. His impressive game helped Golden State get away with the 138-96 win over the Bulls.

With more minutes down the road, those Jonathan Kuminga NBA cards will have a better fight against his peers in the card market. The same can also be said with others on this list, making them ideal buy-low candidates with a lot of room to grow in the market, especially when they start their sophomore campaigns next season.