Subscribe
Follow Us
A lot of people were baffled when Keldon Johnson was chosen to take Bradley Beal’s spot after the All-Star shooting guard bowed out due to health protocols. When comparing the two, it seemed the San Antonio Spurs forward was still too inexperienced for this kind of international competition. Turns out, almost everyone was wrong about this up-and-coming guy from the Alamo. In this specific post, we're looking at Keldon Johnson rookie cards.
We take a look down below why Johnson is the no-brainer Spurs card investment, especially after DeMar DeRozan was traded to the Chicago Bulls.
Keldon Johnson Rookie Cards Are A Good Investment
The Spurs are about to do something they haven’t done in a long time – rebuild. This is a development some would say should have taken place when they let go of Kawhi Leonard in a trade for DeRozan. Late as it may be, this move can provide some good opportunities for San Antonio’s young core.
In that lineup, there are a few players who stand tall above the rest. There’s Dejounte Murray and Derrick White, a pair of talented guards who can man San Antonio’s backcourt. There’s also Lonnie Walker IV, who has shown flashes of athleticism and offensive skill in the past. But among all of these young guys, it’s Johnson who has shown a lot of potential for the franchise.
In his second year in the NBA, the Spurs’ starting power forward showed glimpses of becoming the franchise’s number one option. From averaging 9.1 points in 17 games during his rookie season, Johnson would go on to notch 12.8 points on 48% shooting in year two. He also posted six rebounds and 1.8 assists in 28.5 minutes per game.
Highlights: Keldon Johnson and the young core shine in Spurs lackluster loss to the Rockets https://t.co/i0WBtP6cJL
— Pounding the Rock (@poundingtherock) January 15, 2021
While his efficiency from the field and from beyond the arc could improve, Keldon Johnson still manages to perform well on the court. This is clearly seen when he posted 29 points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block in a match against the Houston Rockets early last season. And though the Spurs lost the match, his performance on both ends of the court showed everyone what he can do.
Although his sophomore campaign can’t be compared to his other draft classmates, like RJ Barrett or Zion Williamson, it was still enough for Team USA to take notice. In an exhibition match against Spain, Johnson showed off by pouring 15 points to help seal an 83-76 comeback victory.
Article Continues Below
From there, the forward played limited minutes throughout the Olympics but still contributed where it matters. Draymond Green, meanwhile, commended the 21-year old for helping the team recover from their rocky start on their way to the gold medal.
The future is bright for Keldon Johnson and the Spurs, and Draymond Green knows it 👍 pic.twitter.com/u6SlkPCwSX
— Spurs Nation (@SpursNationCP) August 7, 2021
With DeMar DeRozan out of San Antonio, Keldon Johnson will get more opportunities to have the offense run through him this season. And thanks to the momentum he gained from his sophomore year and experience in the Olympics, Spurs fans can expect a big leap to happen in Johnson’s third year in the league. When that happens, his stock in the card market will surely benefit.
State Of Johnson Rookie Cards In The Market
Keldon Johnson rookie cards aren’t so popular as those of Zion Williamson or Ja Morant, the top players of their draft class. That doesn’t mean there isn’t an upside to his current card value, though. In fact, out of all the players in the Spurs’ lineup, Johnson holds the distinction of being the best prospect when it comes to card value.`
As of now, Johnson’s PSA 10 Prizm rookie card is priced at $65 on eBay. When compared to its value of $49 last May, the forward’s stock is clearly on a short uptrend. Collectors can expect more room to grow as he becomes a focal point for the Spurs’ offense next season.
Before that happens, it’s wise to get some Keldon Johnson rookie cards before they shoot up late this year. At his prices right now, there’s really no risk involved in his stock.
