The NBA season is upon us, and with it comes the familiar buzz of basketball drama, spectacle, and, of course, an ever-evolving collector market. As teams lace up for their inaugural games, collectors are busy reshuffling their portfolios based on last season’s performances and preseason hype. While marquee players like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Luka Dončić open the season in a made-for-TV doubleheader, another layer of intrigue unfolds among rising and falling stars in the basketball card market.
Before diving into specifics, it’s essential to note that the card market operates much like the stock market. It ebbs and flows based on expected performances, hype, and historical data points. As we kick off another action-packed season, let’s take a closer look at the players driving these market shifts.
Right at the top of the trending charts is Victor Wembanyama, the towering presence from the San Antonio Spurs. It wasn’t long ago that Wembanyama’s star seemed dimmed by a health issue that sidelined him for nearly half a season. This year, the anticipation is palpable as he returns to the court, now eyed not only as a pivotal offensive player but also as a strong contender for Defensive Player of the Year, provided he stays healthy. The optimism surrounding Wembanyama’s projected return to form has created a feverish demand for his cards. Collectors are eagerly snapping up his memorabilia like the 2024-25 Panini Hoops Anti Gravity series, eager to capitalize on what seems like a resurgence for the 7-foot-3 wonder.
Meanwhile, in Chicago, the narrative is quite different. Enter Matas Buzelis, who burst onto the scene late last season with the Bulls, managing to impress as a fledgling starter and significantly enhancing his worth by the end of his rookie year. Averaging 13 points in 26.8 minutes as a starter, Buzelis has markedly reset collector expectations. This promising performance has accordingly nudged his card values upward, the 2024-25 Panini Prizms Green being a popular pick for those betting on his continued ascent.
Elsewhere in the NBA landscape, Bogdan Bogdanovic makes headlines in Los Angeles. After an explosive midseason trade to the Clippers last year, he has become a linchpin in their playoff aspirations. His consistent shooting and ability to provide scoring jolts have elevated his collector’s profile heading into this season. The 2024-25 Panini Mosaic Purple is already seeing price bumps as collectors rush to grab a piece of Bogdanovic’s growing narrative.
Another name making waves is Terrence Shannon Jr. The 6-foot-6 guard may have begun his journey in Minnesota with a slow burn, but his subsequent strong showing toward the season’s end did not go unnoticed. September saw a distinct uptick in interest for Shannon’s cards, particularly his 2024-25 Select Orange Flash Prizms, as collectors forecast a more robust role for him in the lineup this season.
However, not all players are enjoying such a bullish market. For some, the journey has taken a more tumultuous path. Joel Embiid, once at the pinnacle as an MVP winner, now finds himself in a market lull. Philadelphia’s poster player is grappling with injury-related setbacks, having played just 58 games over two seasons. A recent knee surgery spells caution, and collectors have hesitated, evidenced by a cooling in prices for his collectables, like the 2024-25 Donruss Playmakers.
Zach Edey’s narrative mirrors a similar story of potential sabotaged by injury. Initially, he was a standout rookie success in Memphis, but an ankle injury now sidelines him as the season opens. This delay curbs the enthusiasm around his cards, notably the Panini Prizm Black Purple Ice Prizm, reflecting a patient market approach until Edey bounces back.
Also on the cooling list is Jaylen Wells, who was a pleasant surprise for the Grizzlies as a second-round draftee. While his performance last season was commendable, there’s cautious skepticism from collectors wary of a sophomore slump. Consequently, Wells’ collector prices have readjusted amid this apprehension, even with a solid inaugural year under his belt.
Finally, we come to Baylor Scheierman, an almost afterthought in Boston’s busy roster. Despite a surprising playoff cameo and two late-season starts, his limited role sewn seeds of doubt among collectors. This uncertainty has seen his 2024-25 Panini Mosaic Rookie Scripts dip, as collectors seek a more convincing case to invest heavily.
In the ever-dynamic world of NBA card collecting, these stories illustrate the shifting sands of player value, informed by both tangible stats and speculative enthusiasm. As the new season tips off, eyes will remain fixated not just on the hardwood’s big plays but also on the collection markets, where the action unfolds as a market within the game.
