• Home
  • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Get Sports Collectors Daily via EMail
    • Advertise with SC Daily
    • Write for Sports Collectors Daily
    • Write About Your Sports Collection
    • Where Can I Sell My Baseball Cards?
  • Hot on Ebay
    • Most Watched Baseball Cards
      • 50 Hottest Baseball Hobby Boxes
      • Unopened Sports Card Boxes, Packs
      • 75 Most Watched Bowman Chrome Cards
      • Most Watched Vintage Baseball Card Sets
      • Babe Ruth Cards
      • Hank Aaron Cards
      • Mickey Mantle Cards
      • Willie Mays Cards
      • Nolan Ryan Cards
      • T206 Cards
      • Goudey Cards
      • 1952 Topps Cards
    • Most Watched Basketball
      • Top 100 Most Watched Basketball Rookie Cards
      • 100 Hottest 2020-21 NBA Rookie Cards
      • 100 Hottest 2019-20 NBA Rookie Cards
        • Zion Williamson Rookie Cards
        • Ja Morant Rookie Cards
      • Top Prizm Basketball Auctions
      • Luka Doncic Rookie Cards
      • LeBron James Rookie Cards
      • Michael Jordan Cards
      • Kobe Bryant Cards
      • National Treasures Cards (all sports)
    • Most Watched Football Cards
      • Most Watched Football Rookie Card Auctions
      • Most Watched 2020 NFL Rookie Card Auctions
      • Patrick Mahomes Rookie Cards
    • Most Watched Hockey Cards
      • Top 100 Most Watched Hockey Rookie Cards
      • Most Watched 2019-20 Hockey Rookie Cards
      • Connor McDavid Cards
      • Bobby Orr Cards
    • Most Watched Soccer Cards
    • Most Watched Golf Cards
    • Most Watched Rookie Cards
    • Most Watched PSA 10 Cards
    • Most Watched 1 of 1 Cards
    • Most Watched Memorabilia
    • Most Watched Racing Cards
    • Most Watched Autographs
  • Ending Soon on Ebay
    • Baseball Cards
    • Basketball Cards
    • Football Cards
    • Hockey Cards
    • Golf Cards
    • Vintage Sports Memorabilia

Sports Collectors Daily

Sports collecting news - Sports cards and sports memorabilia industry news.

Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you click one and make a purchase, we may receive a commission.  It helps keep us afloat!

  • Sports Memorabilia News
    • Barnebys Sports Auction Highlights
  • Sports Card News
    • Modern Sports Card News
      • New Sports Card Release Calendar
      • Shop Talk
    • Vintage Sports Card News
      • Affordable Vintage Cards, Collectibles
      • Old Baseball Card Sets
      • Old Basketball Card Sets
      • Old Football Card Sets
      • Old Hockey Card Sets
      • Vintage Pack Facts
  • Business/Industry News
    • Sports Memorabilia Business News
    • Sports Memorabilia Industry News
    • Hobby Shops Selling, Breaking Online During COVID-19
  • Around The Hobby
    • Editor’s Blog
    • David Cycleback’s Identification and Authentication Advice
  • Popular Stories
  • Sell Your Cards
You are here: Home / Around the Hobby / NBA Finals MVPs of the 2000s and Their Rookie Cards

NBA Finals MVPs of the 2000s and Their Rookie Cards

June 16, 2015 By Rich Mueller

Like the 1990s, the first decade of the 21st century had a bit of a dynasty feel at the start.  The Michael Jordan-Scottie Pippen Bulls had faded into history, replaced by Shaq and Kobe.  While they didn’t win every NBA Finals MVP of the 2000s, their rookie cards were at the top of collector want lists.

Some of them date back to the previous decade while others were relatively fresh.

Here’s a look, then, at the 2000-2009 NBA MVPs and their rookie cards.

Shaq rookie card2000, 2001, 2002:  Shaquille O’Neal, L.A. Lakers 

1992-93 NBA Hoops, Skybox, Topps, Fleer, Upper Deck   

Shaq didn’t really “look up” to them, but he was shorter than the two centers he faced off against in 2000 and 2001:  Rik Smits and Dikembe Mutombo.  He had little trouble against taller centers, though, shooting 61.1% shooting against the Pacers and 57.3% against the 76ers.  In 2002, he manhandled the Nets, averaging an incredible 36.3 points a game in the Finals.

Shaq’s rookie cards were partly responsible for the huge rise in interest basketball cards enjoyed in the early to mid-1990s.  You have your pick of several, including some inserts and the special redemption sets that were issued.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder  but the early Stadium Club issue is popular.

2003, 2005:  Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs 

Topps Chrome Tim Duncan rookie1997-98 Topps Chrome #115   

Duncan had won his first Finals MVP as a youngster in the 1990s, but he was back again in the 2000s (and again in the current decade).  Duncan also averaged 24.2 points, 17 rebounds, 5.3 blocks and 5.3 assists per game  in 2003–a huge reason San Antonio dispatched the Nets in six games.

With some help of Robert Horry’s big shots, San Antonio emerged as a champion again in 2005, beating Detroit in seven games. Duncan had 25 points and 11 boards in Game 7.

Again, you have your pick among numerous issues but it’s hard to go wrong with the Chrome. Even PSA 10s often sell for under $100 with 9s barely over $20 if you’re patient.

Chauncy Billups rookie card2004: Chauncey Billups, Detroit Pistons 

1997-98 Topps Chrome #181 

When the Pistons won in 2004 the voters didn’t know who deserved the MVP award for Detroit.  Tayshaun Prince?  Rip Hamilton?  Ben Wallace?  Rasheed Wallace?  William Wallace?

Billups was the choice after he shot 51% from the field, 47% from long range and 93% at the free throw line, averaging 21 points and 5.2 assists in the Pistons’ five game win over the Lakers.

He’s got several rookie cards and none are really expensive.  Chrome is usually a safe pick.

Dwyane Wade Rookie Card2006:  Dwyane Wade, Miami Heat 

2003-04 Exquisite, et., al

It was Dirk and Nash against Shaq and Wade.  Miami lost the first two games, and then Wade exploded.  The Heat won four in a row to bring home their first title as Wade scored 42, 36, 43 and 36 points to finish the series.  Wow.  Seems like a long time ago.

Rookie cards were really complicated by this time, especially with Exquisite, Upper Deck’s new ultra-high end concept, Exquisite. Wade rookie autos from Exquisite will cost plenty.  Best to take a look at the most expensive and work your way down.

Topps Chrome Tony Parker rookie2007:  Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs 

2001-02 Topps Chrome Refractor #155   

If someone blinked they missed this matchup, as it was a quick sweep.  There was no player quicker than Parker, and in the Finals he averaged 24.5 points a game on 56.8% shooting.  Parker even showed some range against LeBron and the Cavs, hitting 4 of 7 three-pointers in the series.

There are a lot of autographs, relics and auto relics for Parker in that 2001-02 season. You can nab a mint Chrome Refractor for under $40.

2008:  PauPaul Pierce SP Authentic Rookie cardl Pierce, Boston Celtics 

1998-99 SP Authentic (# to 3500) 

The Celtics used picks and players like Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen to surround Pierce with talent and the team went all the way to the title.  Pierce won the Finals MVP award with averages of 19.7 points and 4.6 assists.  It came 11 seasons after his debut year.

Amid the myriad choices thanks to multiple manufacturers, we’re a little partial to the SP Authentic, which is numbered to 3500 but fairly easy to procure.  Even a PSA 10 can be found for $80 or less.

2009, 2010:  Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers 

Kobe Bryant Chrome Refractor Rookie1996-97 Topps Chrome #138

After the Lakers had reloaded following Shaq’s departure, it was Bryant who led the team to wins over the Magic in 2009 (and we’ll include his Finals MVP effort the next year, just for good measure).

Kobe was already a star but took his game to the next level against Orlando in 2009, playing nearly 44 minutes a night, averaging 32.4 points and 7.4 assists a game in the five-game title series.

2010 was a seven-game war with Boston, but Bryant’s 15 rebounds in the deciding game sewed up the title and his second straight Finals MVP honor.

The 1996-97 Topps Chrome Refractor is one of the hobby’s modern holy grail cards but even the regular Chrome rookie is one everyone wants to own.  You’ll pay $250 and up for a really nice one.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Pinterest
  • Reddit
  • Facebook Messenger

Related Stories:

2015-16 Prizm Hyper Prizm Refractor Karl Anthony Towns autoKarl-Anthony Towns Has Collectors’ Attention PSA 10 1969-70 John Havlicek ToppsNBA Finals MVPs of the 1970s and Their Rookie Cards Rookie Cards of 1980s NBA Finals MVPs eBay Card of the Day: Done With Hoops, T-Mac Tries the Mound BGS 10 Michael JordanNBA Finals MVPs of the 1990s and Their Rookie Cards James Harden National Treasures RCAs Scoring Increases, So Do James Harden Cards DeMarcus Cousins Panini Certified rookie autoDeMarcus Cousins a Worthwhile Investment? Panini Contenders Jahlil OkaforOkafor, Towns Among 5 Signing Panini Exclusives
Avatar

About Rich Mueller

Rich is the editor and founder of Sports Collectors Daily. A broadcaster and writer for more than 30 years and a collector for even longer than that, he's usually typing something somewhere. Type him back at [email protected]

Filed Under: Around the Hobby Tagged With: basketball rookie cards, nba finals, NBA rookie cards

Our articles may contain affiliate links. When you click one and make a purchase, we receive a commission.  The revenue is what helps keep SC Daily afloat!

What\
  • Football
  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • Hockey

Bargain Corner

  • Michael Jordan Cards Under $5
  • Mickey Mantle Cards Under $100
  • Graded T206 Cards Under $75
  • Pre-1980 Graded Baseball Cards $5 and Less
  • Pre-1985 Graded Football Cards $5 and Less
  • Pre-1980 Graded Basketball Cards Under $10
  • Pre-1990 Graded Hockey Cards $5 and Less
  • Complete Sets Under $10 with Free Shipping
  • Baseball Hall of Famers for $5 or Less
  • Football Hall of Famers for $5 or Less
  • Hobby Boxes Under $30
  • Pre-1986 Rookie Cards Under $1

RSS Auction Report

  • Steve Novella Offers PSA Graded Football and Basketball Ending January 26, 2021
  • CertifiedLink: Bid on Rookie Cards: Mantle, Mays, Aaron, Jordan, Gretzky, Mahomes & More! Ends Feb. 8th
  • Kobe Bryant Custom-Built Car on Goldin Auctions Block


Categories

  • Around the Hobby
  • Business/Industry News
    • Sports Memorabilia Business News
    • Sports Memorabilia Industry News
  • David Cycleback's Identification and Authentication Advice
  • Editor's Blog
  • Hobby Shop Talk
  • National Sports Collectors Convention
  • Popular Stories
  • Rich Klein's Ramblings
  • Sports Card News
    • Modern Sports Card News
      • New Sports Card Release Calendar
    • Vintage Sports Card News
      • Old Baseball Card Sets
      • Old Basketball Card Sets
      • Old Football Card Sets
      • Old Hockey Card Sets
      • Vintage Pack Facts
  • Sports Memorabilia News

Sponsor Links

  • Sports Card Forum
  • Buying Vintage Sports Cards
  • Game Used Jerseys
  • 1952 Topps Baseball
  • Championship Rings For Sale
  • Vintage Basketball Cards
  • NBA Signed Items
  • Signed Sports Memorabilia
  • UFC Memorabilia
  • Autographed Baseballs
  • NASCAR Autographs
  • Vintage Graded Baseball Cards
  • Player Pictures
  • Vintage Football Cards
  • Sports Card Boxes
  • Sports Collectors Store

Pages

  • 100 Hottest 2019-20 NBA Rookie Cards
  • 100 Hottest UFC Trading Cards
  • 100 Most Watched Golf Trading Cards on eBay
  • 100 Most Watched Graded Rookie Cards for Sale on eBay
  • 100 Most Watched Wrestling Trading Cards on eBay
  • 20 Hottest Barry Sanders Football Cards
  • 2016 Cubs Replica Championship Rings Don’t Cost a Fortune
  • 2017 Topps Definitive Collection Box Breaks, Most Watched
  • 2019 Toronto Raptors NBA Championship Memorabilia Guide
  • 2019 US Women’s World Cup Apparel, Merchandise, Memorabilia Guide
  • 50 Hottest Baseball Hobby Boxes at Auction on eBay
  • 50 Hottest Kareem Hunt Rookie Cards
  • 50 Most Watched Kevin Durant Auctions on eBay
  • 75 Most Watched Bowman Chrome Cards
  • 8 Types of Kobe Bryant Collectibles to Remember Him By
  • Aaron Judge Game Used Memorabilia Inventory Growing
  • About Us/Contact/Advertise
    • Advertise with SC Daily
    • Contact Us
    • Get Sports Collectors Daily via EMail
  • Affordable Vintage Sports Cards and Collectibles
  • Barnebys Sports Memorabilia Auctions
  • Baseball Card Auctions on eBay Ending Soon
  • Basketball Card Auctions on eBay Ending Soon
  • Best Derek Jeter Baseball Cards on eBay
  • Best Display Cabinets for Sports Memorabilia
  • Best Joey Votto Rookie Cards
  • Best Pascal Siakam Rookie Cards
  • Chiefs Super Bowl Champs Memorabilia Hits the Market
  • Current Most Watched Baseball Cards on eBay
  • Dale Murphy Rookie Card Remains Popular, Affordable
  • Eagles Super Bowl Champions Memorabilia Guide
  • Fanatics Under Wraps 2017 Next Level Edition Autographed Baseballs
  • Football Card Auctions on eBay Ending Soon
  • Frank Gore Rookie Cards Get No Respect
  • Gardner Minshew Rookie Cards Heat Up as Fun-Loving Rookie Shows His Ability
  • Great Gifts for Cubs Fans
  • Guide to 2018-19 Clemson Tigers National Championship Memorabilia
  • Guide to Houston Astros Championship Memorabilia
  • Guide to LSU National Championship Merchandise, Memorabilia
  • Guide to Nationals World Series Champs Memorabilia, Merchandise
  • Guide to St. Louis Blues Stanley Cup Champions Merchandise, Memorabilia
  • Guide to Vegas Golden Knights Stanley Cup Memorabilia
  • Hank Aaron Cards on eBay
  • Henrik Lundqvist Rookie Cards a Strong Long-Term Play
  • Hockey Card Auctions Ending Soon on eBay
  • Hottest 2019 Baseball Rookie Cards
  • Hottest 2019 NFL Rookie Cards on eBay
  • Hottest Chicago Bulls Memorabilia Auctions on eBay
  • Hottest Devin Booker Rookie Cards as Suns Star Piles Up Points
  • Hottest Kyle Lewis Rookie Cards on eBay
  • Hottest Lonzo Ball Rookie Cards on eBay
  • Hottest Panini National Treasures Cards on eBay
  • Hottest Panini World Cup Stickers on eBay
  • Hottest Pokémon Card Auctions on eBay
  • Hottest PSA 10 Cards for Sale on eBay
  • Hottest Topps Living Set Auctions on eBay
  • Hottest Topps NOW Cards on eBay
  • Hottest Xander Bogaerts Rookie Cards
  • LeBron James Lakers Jerseys Already Available
  • Links
  • Mickey Mantle Cards on eBay
  • Most Popular Bobbleheads on eBay
  • Most Popular Mark McGwire Rookie Card Auctions on eBay
  • Most Watched 1/1 Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Basketball Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Complete Baseball Card Sets at Auction on eBay
  • Most Watched Football Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Football Rookie Card Auctions
  • Most Watched Goudey Baseball Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Hockey Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Kobe Bryant Basketball Card Auctions on eBay
  • Most Watched Racing Cards on eBay
  • Most Watched Soccer Cards for Sale on eBay
  • Most Watched Sports Autographs on eBay
  • Most Watched Sports Jerseys on eBay
  • Most Watched Topps Project 2020 Auctions on eBay
  • Most Watched Unopened Sports Card Boxes, Packs on eBay
  • Most Watched Vintage Sports Memorabilia on eBay
  • Nick Bosa Rookie Cards Getting Collectors’ Attention
  • Patriots Super Bowl 51 Champions Merchandise
  • Ryne Sandberg Rookie Cards, Minor League Issues Still Collector Favorites
  • Selling Sports Cards on eBay for Cash
  • Sports Memorabilia Auctions Ending Soon on eBay
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Test
  • The 2013 Bowman Chrome Draft Kris Bryant Auto Saga: A Timeline
  • Tony Gwynn Rookie Cards Recall “The Best Hitter Since Ted”
  • Top 100 Most Watched Baseball Rookie Cards on eBay
  • Top 100 Most Watched Basketball Rookie Cards for Sale on eBay
  • Top 100 Most Watched Hockey Rookie Card Auctions
  • Top Authenticated Vintage Unopened Sports Card Boxes, Packs on eBay
  • Top Selling Patriots Super Bowl Championship Items
  • Upper Deck Authenticated Autographs Remain Popular, Accessible
  • Vintage Sports Memorabilia on eBay Ending Soon
  • Wade Boggs Rookie Cards Still a Collector Favorite
  • What’s Hot on eBay
  • What’s It Worth
  • Where Can I Sell My Baseball Cards?
  • Where to Buy the Anthony Fauci Topps Baseball Card
  • Write About Your Sports Collection
  • Write for Sports Collectors Daily

Copyright © 2021 SportsCollectorsDaily.com | Genesis Web Design by Wickam Group