Taking the plunge on those Ben Simmons cards being sold in the market is a risk most collectors would likely pass on. With all the drama between the Australian point forward and the Philadelphia 76ers right now, there are better options than investing in the disgruntled All-Star's stock. But when one digs below the surface, will there be a hidden opportunity waiting for those brave enough to take this risk?

We take a look below at how Simmons' stock is doing in the card market right now. We also examine several factors that go for and against the investment of his stock for collectors.

Should you take the leap on those Ben Simmons cards or not?

What started as a wide-open chance to dunk the ball during a playoff game against the Atlanta Hawks has now evolved into a full-blown battle against the franchise that drafted him. As of now, Simmons hasn't played a single minute this season after a series of unfortunate events that has happened during the past few months. This gives collectors a couple of reasons not to jump the gun on his stock in the card market.

For starters, Simmons' reluctance to fully cooperate with the 76ers has left a really bad image, not just among the fans, but to front offices across the NBA. In the likeliest event that he is traded sometime during the season, his future team will always have to worry whether he can get the job done or shrink back from the spotlight. This will affect those Ben Simmons cards down the line if the All-Star forward still refuses to evolve his game by developing a jump shot.

Second, the longer Simmons' battle against the 76ers' front office goes on, the sourer basketball fans and collectors will be on him. This will just get worse for him, especially if his team continues to win and post a good record as the season progresses. If this scenario happens, it will prove to everyone that Simmons is not the end-all-be-all of Philadelphia basketball, making him expendable in the process.

Ben Simmons, Sixers, NBA Cards

By taking these two factors into account, the result will be to stay away from those Ben Simmons cards you encounter in the market. While that's the safe option, it should be remembered that Simmons is still a player that can turn the tide for any team in the NBA. He has the basketball IQ, playmaking skills, and defensive prowess to make any squad instant contenders.

Of course, no one knows the exact nature of Simmons' situation in Philly or where he's going to end up within this season. What's certain is his reluctance to cooperate with the 76ers and the extent to which he will go to prove a point is hurting both his card value and public perception.

The verdict on Ben Simmons cards in the market

As it stands, Simmons isn't the hottest name in the market right now. This is seen in how his PSA 10 Prizm Silver rookie card fell from $1,700 to $1,200 on eBay within October.

Nevertheless, there's always an opportunity to be found in this kind of situation. Collectors should always keep in mind to buy those Ben Simmons cards at their lowest possible price as they can potentially climb back up in the following months. On the other hand, what should never be done is to overpay even a single cent as they still pose a risk right now. In any case, it's best to remember that buying low on Simmons' cards is the only move to make when it comes to his stock.