From George Mikan to Steph Curry (and maybe Joe Lapchick if you’re a fan of really old school ballers), searching through a list of the top 50 most watched basketball rookie cards for sale is a study in hoop history.
Like the game itself, basketball cards have changed a great deal since Bowman featured Mikan on its first–and only–set back in 1948. These days, rookie cards can come in several different types. There are single cards from lower cost brands produced by Panini America and high-end, serial-numbered cards with jersey pieces and an autograph that cost thousands of dollars.
A guy like Steph Curry has both: his standard issue Topps rookie card from 2009-10 could have been bought online that season for $1 or less. Now? Be prepared to fork over a few hundred and find that “run of the mill” rookie card on the hot list below. It’ll be joined there, though, by National Treasures, Exquisite and other high-end Curry rookies.
Among the most popular basketball rookie cards for sale are the 1986-89 Fleer cards, especially the 1986-87 set that brought us Michael Jordan’s rookie card (and a bunch of others). Talk about soaring values. There seems to be no end in sight for Jordan.
And of course, you’ll also find some of the hottest current players who are getting their first cardboard.
Take a look and check out some of the auctions:
