It's time for an NBA cards rookie watch. Last year, collectors chased endlessly for Zion Williamson and Ja Morant cards. The season before that, it was Luka Doncic and Trae Young. We also have the rising stars from the past two drafts who can make a lasting impact in the NBA, such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Tyler Herro, among others. For the 2020-21 season, things are a lot different than what they were in previous years.
For one, a lot of people see this year’s draft as a weak class. There weren’t any game-changers or generational talent across the board when the draft was held last year. Nevertheless, collectors everywhere will still do their best to nab those rookie cards for their respective collections. Rather than shoot blindly in the dark, it’s best to take a look at this year’s top rookies and how their in-game performance can carry over to their cards.
NBA Cards Rookie Watch #1: LaMelo Ball
Widely considered as the favorite to win this season’s Rookie of the Year award, LaMelo Ball has been backing that hype with a stellar performance on the court. He currently averages a balanced stat line of 12.4 points, six assists, and seven rebounds a game. What’s impressive behind those numbers is the way Ball affects the game, even when coming off the bench.
His elite size and playmaking ability make a deadly combination that will propel him to be a starter sooner than later. Add the immense hype around him, a father that will surely grab the headlines with his statements, and you’ve got all eyes on Ball as he plays out this season.
Keep an eye on the Charlotte Hornets too. If they manage to nab a playoff spot, you can be sure Ball’s rookie card prices will surge through the roof right away. If last season was any indication, his card value has the chance to eclipse other more established stars in the league.
NBA Cards Rookie Watch #2: Anthony Edwards
Playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves has dampened Anthony Edwards’ stock quite a bit because of the team’s lack of victories early in the season. Nevertheless, the first pick of the 20202 Draft is still a force to be reckoned with from the bench. He’s leading all rookies in scoring with 13.6 points, grabbing almost three boards, and dishing out two dimes in 25 minutes of action per game.
Edwards’ potential is evident, with some people likening his ceiling to Dwayne Wade. If that becomes a reality and he improves his feel for the game more, Minnesota will gain another offensive weapon that will help them return to the playoffs. Keep a close eye on Edwards because if he improves his stats, even by just a bit, his card prices will surely take off.
NBA Cards Rookie Watch #3: Tyrese Haliburton
A lot of people were expecting Tyrese Haliburton to be in the top ten of this year’s Draft. Some were even rooting for the New York Knicks to take the young point guard from Iowa State University. Alas, he slid down to the 12th spot where the Sacramento Kings picked him.
And boy, Haliburton has been proving to everyone that he’s the steal of the draft. He boasts a balanced game, which consists of averaging 12.1 points and 5.3 assists per game while hitting 50 percent of his shots from beyond the arc. Haliburton also contributes a steal per game while grabbing almost three boards.
All things considered, Haliburton’s qualities and contributions are greatly needed by Sacramento. In an organization that has been constantly rocked by dissent and negative publicity, their new rookie has the chance to steady the boat and keep them all afloat. Even if the Kings do burn out, collectors will still recognize Haliburton’s potential and chase his cards anyway.
NBA Cards Rookie Watch #4: James Wiseman
Heading into the draft, everyone was wondering what the Golden State Warriors will do with the second pick. Most people expected them to trade it, along with Andrew Wiggins' huge contract, for a proven star. Of course, that didn’t happen and they went to draft James Wiseman to be their center of the future.
While a lot of people never gave much thought about Wiseman, mainly because he only played three games during his college career, the rookie went ahead and silenced his critics when the season started. In the 11 games that Wiseman has started as the Warriors’ big man, he has averaged 10 points, six rebounds, and a block.
What has caught everyone’s attention is his range. Although he’s just attempting 1.4 shots from downtown, Wiseman is connecting them with a 40% rate. This improves Golden State’s offense and lightens Steph Curry’s load on that end of the court. If Wiseman ups his three-point volume and makes most of them, he has the chance to steal the Rookie of the Year award from both Ball and Edwards.
A lot can still happen between now and the end of this season. And with the impending release of new cards from Panini, you can expect droves of fans to grab these boxes right away. Just take note of these four rookies and monitor their respective performances so you can make wise purchases when their card comes out soon.
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