It’s been a good couple of weeks for Philadelphia 76ers fans, who have quickly fallen in love with their first round draft pick. Collectors and investors have too but if absence makes the heart grow fonder, they’ll be ga-ga over Michael Carter-Williams by the All-Star break. The Syracuse product is off to a phenomenal start, scoring 99 points in his first five games, the most since Kevin Durant in 2007-08.
The list of the hottest Carter-Williams basketball cards is a short one simply because, well, he doesn’t have very many yet. Official NBA licensee Panini will spread numerous products out over the next 11 months, all of which will likely have Carter-Williams rookie cards in them. For now, there are cards from the Hoops and Prestige brands along with the requisite parallels and a certified autograph but that’s all.
Prices have soared since opening night. After the first one sold for $55, the few Hoops Signature cards to hit eBay since have been selling for more than $300. The Kobe All Rookie Team insert cards have been hot as have the Hoops parallels. The Gold Parallels sold early for just a few dollars but now bring $25 and up.
T
he 11th overall pick by Philadelphia back in June, Carter-Williams played only two seasons at Syracuse but has proven himself ready for the pros. He was named NBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week for games played from Oct. 29 through Nov. 3. Shaquille O’Neal (1992-93) is the only other rookie in the history of the award to be named Player of the Week to start his career.
In addition to nearly 20 points per game, he’s been a solid distributor, a decent rebounder and a pretty fair defender.
In his NBA debut against the two-time defending NBA Champion Miami Heat on Oct. 30, Carter-Williams had 22 points, 12 assists, seven rebounds and nine steals. His first basket was a breakaway dunk. The nine steals tied the franchise record and was the most by any player in an NBA debut. The last player to have at least 20 points, five rebounds and five assists in an NBA debut was LeBron James in 2003-04.
Here’s a look at the hottest Carter-Williams cards right now on eBay.
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[…] picks expected in the 2014 NBA Draft, the 76ers could quickly become a power in their division and Carter-Williams could maintain his spot as the rookie from his draft class with the highest card […]