Nikola Jokic rookie cards reaching insane heights amid MVP season

Along with his noteworthy performance from the Nuggets All-Star this season comes an increasing demand for Nikola Jokic’s cards.

In an era dominated by explosive point guards and versatile wings, it seemed unlikely that the prototypical big man would go and dominate the NBA once more. Gone are the days of lumbering centers who can only score and rebound from the post. But while everyone else has abandoned the traditional role of tall basketball players, Nikola Jokic has evolved the position into something worthy of this year’s Most Valuable Player award.

Nikola Jokic Cards: The Card Market MVP

While most teams haven’t quite figured out what they want in a center, the Denver Nuggets have it made. Thanks to Jokic’s stellar run this season, they’re safe in the fourth spot in the Western Conference, placing them firmly ahead of the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers. With the regular season about to end, everyone will be expecting the Joker to lead his team towards a deep playoff run.

Along with his noteworthy performance this season comes an increasing demand for Nikola Jokic’s cards. We take a look down below how his MVP season has made an impact on the big man’s stock in the card market.

Jokic and his MVP season

Last year, the Nuggets shocked everyone when they came back from the brink of elimination twice to defeat the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers in Orlando. Their luck ran out when they reached the Conference Finals, only to be defeated by LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers.

Even if his squad lost, Jokic had himself an impressive run in the Bubble. In 19 playoff games, the Joker averaged 24.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.1 steals. He was also shooting 52% from the field, 43% from beyond the arc, and 83% from the free-throw line back then.

While some people thought that would be the big man’s ceiling, Jokic came out bursting this season to prove his doubters wrong. In his fifth year in the league, the Joker is averaging a career-high 26.4 points, 10.9 rebounds, 8.4 assists, and 1.4 steals in 35 minutes per game. He’s also hitting 56% from the field, 40% from three, and 85% from the charity stripe.

Along with his averages, Jokic is also proving he’s the MVP this year through his advanced stats. While his 2.6 defensive box plus/minus score is great, it’s his league-leading 9.1 offensive box plus/minus rating that’s grabbing everyone’s attention. What this means is he’s the NBA’s best offensive player right now, even better than Stephen Curry’s 8.1 OBPM, the second-best in the league.

Jokic’s unique take on offense was on full display at the end of January when Denver faced off against the Utah Jazz. In that game, the Nuggets’ All-Star notched 47 points on 65% shooting from the field and 100% from the three-point line. He also posted 12 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and a block to lead his team to a 128-177 victory.

Based on the numbers and his on-court performance this season, Jokic has successfully elevated the center position into the modern era. Thanks to his transcendent talent, the MVP award will most likely have the Joker’s name on it.

The state of Nikola Jokc cards in the market

The ascension of Jokic to the top of the league has certainly made an impact on his stock. At the start of February, his PSA 10 base Prizm rookie card was valued at $1,100, then $1,200 when the month was about to end.

The same graded card shot up to $1,500 in March and even peaked at $1,900. Now, Jokic’s value is at $1,400, which can go up in the short-term once he receives the MVP award. Another catalyst that can boost his stock further is if the Nuggets can make a run towards the Finals. On the other hand, all bets are off if Denver bows out of the first or second round in the coming playoffs.

Jokic’s MVP season makes a compelling case for card enthusiasts. With how he’s playing this year, it only makes sense to get more of Nikola Jokic's cards before the Joker explodes in the postseason. All in all, this is one investment you won’t lose any sleep on.