As the NBA tips off the 2025-26 season with flair and spectacle, it is not just the thundering dunks and gravity-defying alley-oops that are capturing the fans’ attention. Off the court, another game is being played out by avid collectors and investors, watching each highlight reel closely to gauge where the market winds are blowing.
While all eyes are drawn to the blockbuster doubleheader that has Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Oklahoma City Thunder facing Kevin Durant’s Houston Rockets, followed by a duel between LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers and Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors, the real MVPs for collectors might be found elsewhere. It’s this eclectic mix of established powerhouses and budding stars that fuel the card collecting circuit, with shifts in player performance translating directly to price adjustments and trends in the card market.
As has been customary since September 21, the ever-intriguing Beckett Online Price Guide has provided insights into how player performances and perceptions have been causing seismic shifts. In particular, this season opens with four players making significant strides upwards, while another quartet sees their desirability on the downturn.
Among those generating buzzworthy ascension is Victor Wembanyama. After an unfortunate stretch of the season lost to health issues, the skyscraping 7 foot 3 Spurs star is anticipated to spearhead a Defensive Player of the Year campaign, provided he maintains court presence. This optimistic outlook has collectors jockeying to snap up his cards, with many increasing in value as enthusiasm perpetuates the wave. A prime example that collectors now eagerly chase is the 2024-25 Panini Hoops Anti Gravity card.
Jumping at the opportunity for an elevation in the basketball hierarchy, Matas Buzelis has solidified his spot as a starter for the Chicago Bulls. This breakthrough moment, transitioning from averaging a modest 5.8 points in 14 minutes to a more eye-catching 13 points in 26.8 minutes, hasn’t gone unnoticed. As the basketball community resets expectations for his sophomore season, the upward trajectory of his card market is like watching a high-flying three-pointer swish through the net. The Panini Prizms Green 252 card has significantly risen, symbolizing hefty bets on a brighter future.
Equal parts steady and spectacular, Bogdan Bogdanovic offers the Clippers a lifeline with his clutch shooting capabilities. A midseason trade bolstered his profile in Los Angeles, where his performance power-dunked the Clippers into playoff contention. With a remodeled rotation to enhance his game, Bogdanovic’s stock has seen parallel growth in the past few months, much to the delight of card enthusiasts marveling at the Panini Mosaic Purple 138.
Minnesota’s Terrence Shannon Jr. gradually matured from a slow start to an explosive presence on the court. He blossomed once more minutes were doled out, catching fire towards season’s end. His prowess and potential expansion into a prominent role caused collectors’ fingers to itch in anticipation, feverishly tracking those alluring Select Orange Flash Prizms 78 cards.
But what would the game be without the risks and downturns that add unexpected depth to the narrative? Collectors with a keen eye for a comeback story have kept watch on Joel Embiid, whose dominant presence was curtailed by injuries. With 58 combined games played over the last two seasons, questions lingered. Recent surgeries have urged caution among the Philadelphia loyalists and hobbyists alike, even as they wait to see him dunk and lead a healthy charge anew. Card values reflected this contemplation, much like the carefully guarded moves in chess.
Emerging rookie Zach Edey had his shining moments halted by a pesky ankle injury. Playing for Memphis, his promising debut hit an obstacle, delaying his anticipated return by up to two months. The hesitation in the market serves as a testament to the patience of collectors, delicately waiting for their MVP to rise once more. In the meantime, the Panini Prizm Black Purple Ice Prizm 64 sees hesitancy reflected in its pricing.
Meanwhile, Jaylen Wells emerged as a surprising asset for the Grizzlies, but the sophomore season jitters linger like a pressing defense. Even after an impressive rookie year, market apprehension of potential regression has been mirrored in card values, making collectors reflect deeply before investing in his Donruss Optic Photon Prizms 252.
Boston’s Baylor Scheierman is another player under the magnifying glass. Having had a taste of increased playing time and some playoff appearances, the market remains cautious. Collectors crave more consistent bench-to-bench showcase before confidently advancing his card values. The hesitance has resulted in a slight decline in interest for pieces like the Panini Mosaic Rookie Scripts RS-BAY.
As the season progresses, the court comes alive with athletes showcasing their breadth of talent and tenacity, while the collector trenches become their own buzzing battlefield of strategic buys and sells. The drama unfolds in both the arenas and card shops, where each dunk, buzzer-beater, and block ripples through the market, crafting a season-long story of fluctuating fortunes.