The curtain has lifted on another dazzling NBA season, and as the rivals lace their sneakers, collectors keep an eager eye on both the hardwood and the trading card markets. With a doubleheader star-studded enough to rival Hollywood’s finest—featuring Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Stephen Curry—basketball aficionados are feasting on nightly entertainment. But while these headliners remain crowd favorites, it’s the shifting values of several under-the-radar players that are catching many by surprise.
Since the fall equinox on September 21, the Beckett Online Price Guide has illuminated a landscape where some players are blossoming and others facing a dip, with ramifications both on the court and in the collection arena.
The first to make a splash this season of unparalleled potential is the skyscraping wonder Victor Wembanyama. At 7 feet 3 inches, the Spurs’ big man is poised to dominate once more. Despite the misfortune of missing half of last season due to health issues, Wembanyama’s return to form is generating ripples greater than the Mississippi River. With whispers of a Defensive Player of the Year accolade should he maintain his physical condition, the buzz surrounding his cards has skyrocketed, increasingly sought after by collectors who foresee his star power elevating further.
Similarly, in the Windy City, Matas Buzelis has transformed his image faster than a Midwest weather change. Graduating to Chicago’s starting lineup by late last season, his game naturally rose with him. Experiencing a scoring boost from 5.8 to 13.0 points per game as a starter, Buzelis captured the imaginations of spectators and investors alike—resulting in an uplift in the value of his cards, as fans eagerly anticipate more leaps in his sophomore year.
Out west, Bogdan Bogdanovic is prominently spotlighted due to his reliable sharpshooting. His midseason transfer to the Clippers brought him new energy—and purpose—as he consistently added to the team’s scoring endeavors, thrusting Los Angeles into playoff contention. This upswell in his cards echoes the whispers of his burgeoning trustworthiness in his current uniform.
And we mustn’t overlook Terrence Shannon Jr., who, akin to a late-blooming sunflower, truly flourished once given adequate time on the court with the Timberwolves. Despite a tepid start, the 6’6” guard burned brightly by season’s end, ensuring his role won’t just be a footnote this time around. Collectors riding the sentiment train have responded, steadily lifting his card value as October rolled along.
Of course, not every player story aboard the thrilling NBA express car is one of ascension. For some, this new season beckons as a moment of uncertainty, presenting enticing opportunities for investors who relish a bargain.
Joel Embiid, for instance, has seen his star momentarily dimmed. Despite being only two seasons removed from MVP recognition, he has been beleaguered by injuries, playing a mere 58 games over that span. Recently post-knee surgery, the Sixers’ talisman faces scrutiny as he rebuilds his resilience and grandeur. The trading card realm, as expected, reflects this cautious pause.
In Memphis, Zach Edey finds himself in a temporal setback of an injured ankle potentially shelving him for two months. Despite a promising rookie outing, the pause button has been hit, leaving his card values at a cautious stalemate as collectors anticipate his return.
Jaylen Wells, meanwhile, experienced a breakthrough season with the Grizzlies after entering the league through the back door—a second-round selection turned pivotal player. Yet, with second seasons often notorious for hesitation and regression, guardedness shadowed the pricing of his cards, regardless of his noteworthy entries last year.
Likewise, Baylor Scheierman—a talent whose flashes of brilliance came sporadically in Boston—still seeks to crystallize his promise. As collectors weigh patience before fully investing, the downward drift in his card pricing mirrors the imperative for more definitive basketball artistry.
As the season unfolds, one can expect more narrative twists than a best-selling novel. The players’ stories and achievements will sway perceptions. Yet, amid the fluctuation, true enthusiasts and investors await with bated breath at each player’s next move—both on the court and in the world of collectible treasures. Whether through triumphant rises or graceful comebacks, these players embody the exhilarating unpredictability that makes the NBA and its card market such captivating spectacles.