While the number two pick in the 2019 NBA draft has been somewhat overshadowed Zion mania, the small town talent has clearly proven he belongs and collectors and prospectors are now clamoring for the best Ja Morant rookie cards on eBay. Haven’t seen him play that much? You might look online just to catch an aerial display of the Dalzell, South Carolina native’s talents.
If you saw Murray State in the 2019 NCAA tournament, you were wondering why this kid was playing for a mid-major instead of at Duke, Kentucky or another major NCAA power. He has certainly mastered the art of the dunk but there’s more to his game than just the high flying slams. He’s extremely unselfish. He plays defense. He knows how to dish and understands what it means to get teammates involved.
From Murray to Memphis
A first team All-American as a sophomore in 2019, Morant was snapped up by the Memphis Grizzlies after applying for the draft. As the number two pick, he was quickly signed to an exclusive autograph deal by Panini America and has become a key part of their marketing campaign.
With the injury to Zion Williamson, Morant quickly became the favorite for Rookie of the Year. For the season, he led all rookies in points (17.8) and assists (7.3) per game, while shooting 47.7% from the field. His total command of the game as a rookie led to comparisons of Allen Iverson, Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson and other NBA greats when they were barely 20.
Morant also has a knack for game winners. His first came just 11 games into his career.
Even Williamson, who missed much of the first half of his rookie season, gave Morant his vote for Rookie of the Year, saying “Ja has been playing incredible, so he has earned it.”
Morant has become a fan favorite in the LeBron James household, too.
Lakers’ LeBron James says Grizzlies rookie Ja Morant is popular in his household: “He seems like a really good [kid] and he seems like he loves the game. Both of my kids love him. They love his game.” pic.twitter.com/GOkiMxiSt7
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) October 30, 2019
Ja Morant Rookie Cards
Williamson’s early absence put significant focus on Morant’s rookie cards and prices rose steadily. There were several notable sales in the first half of his rookie campaign alone including a 1/1 Contenders Championship Ticket that netted $15,000 via a Best Offer; a Prizm Gold # to 10 that went for $10,000 and two Prizm Black Gold numbered to 5 that each surpassed the $10,000 mark.
Autographed Ja Morant rookie cards inside 2019-20 Contenders NBA, including the various parallels like Cracked Ice (# to 25) and Blue Shimmer Refractors (# to 2o) also ignited bidding wars.
2019-20 Prizm NBA brought forth a mountain of signed and unsigned parallel cards that have also ranked among the top sellers.
On the cheaper end, Morant’s base cards from Hoops, his Donruss Rated Rookie, Donruss Optic and other low to medium-end brands are usually the way to go. Base and some parallels from Panini Prizm and Contenders Draft products picturing him in his Murray State uniform will also be inexpensive.
You can see all of his cards on eBay here and get a real time glimpse at the current most watched Morant rookie card auctions in the list below.