Basketball fans, collectors, and investors, this one’s for you! An NBA championship is more than just a trophy—it’s a catalyst for skyrocketing player popularity, team accolades, and in our world, rising player card values.
But whose cards have the most to gain this season? We’re breaking it down with a list of players who could see their values jump. From the league’s bright young stars to legends looking to add one more ring to their resume, here’s your insider guide to potential breakouts in the sports card market.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA), Oklahoma City Thunder
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having a jaw-dropping season and leading the Thunder like a true franchise player. He not only leads the league in points per game but also recently entered an elite group of players with 65 consecutive 20+ point performances in a single season. Impressive, right?
OKC’s rise to the top of the Western Conference has fans buzzing, and if they take home the championship, expect SGA’s card prices to see a major leap. His current cards, already steadily climbing, could leap into the stratosphere with a trophy to his name. If you’re looking to invest, now’s the time to scout his rookie cards before the Finals buzz begins.
Luka Doncic, Los Angeles Lakers
Luka Magic in L.A.? Yes, it’s happening, and the combination of Luka Doncic and LeBron James is as electrifying as anyone could imagine. Luka is no stranger to dazzling on the court, but there’s one thing missing from his résumé—a championship ring.
If Luka and the Lakers go all the way this year, you might want to buckle up because his card values could supernova. From Panini Prizm rookies to his rarer autographed cards, the market isn’t going to hold back on Luka fever if he snags a title alongside LeBron.
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
“Spida” Mitchell has been spinning webs of greatness in Cleveland, with the Cavaliers closing in on becoming a powerhouse team in the Eastern Conference. While Cleveland boasts multiple stars, Mitchell is undoubtedly the face of the team—and the player with the most to gain in the card market if they win big.
His cards, especially his 2017 Prizm Autographs Fast Break PSA 10 (only $490), are relatively affordable compared to the high-profile names in the league. But a Finals MVP title? That could send his market skyrocketing. Keep an eye on this one.
Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks
New York basketball is hungry for a hero, and Jalen Brunson might just be it. The dynamic point guard has been pivotal to the Knicks’ success, giving fans legitimate hope of bringing a championship back to MSG.
While the road to the Finals won’t be easy, especially with juggernauts like the Celtics likely standing in the way, Brunson’s performance on the biggest stage could elevate his card values significantly. Knicks fans are as passionate as they come—add a ring to the equation, and the demand for Brunson cards could be through the roof.
Karl-Anthony Towns (KAT), New York Knicks
Speaking of the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns has been posting monster stats, including an impressive 17 games with 30+ points and 10+ rebounds this season. The last Knick to do that? Oh, just a guy named Patrick Ewing back in the ‘90s.
KAT’s ability to put up eye-popping performances makes him another candidate for rising card values if the Knicks make a deep playoff run or—dare we say it—win it all. Remember his stunning 62-point game last year? Yep, his ceiling is high, and his cards could reflect that in no time.
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets
Nikola Jokic, aka “The Joker,” is a walking triple-double. Literally. His averages this season—29.1 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 10.3 assists—are insane. Add to that his 3 MVP titles, and you’ve got a recipe for a player whose cards are already hot property.
Winning another championship would solidify his place among the all-time greats and could push his card values into “is this real life?” territory. His 2015 Prizm Flash Rookie Card PSA 10 has already jumped by $300 in just 30 days—it’s not hard to imagine another massive spike if Denver wins.
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Jayson Tatum is already a star, but another championship win could put him in that next tier—especially if he takes home the Finals MVP trophy. The Celtics are perennial contenders, but to see a real spike in Tatum card value, he’d likely need dominant postseason performances.
That said, current Tatum card owners have little to complain about—his prices are robust. Keep in mind, though, that since he already has a ring, the upside may not be as dramatic as some younger players chasing their first titles.
Tyrese Haliburton, Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers may be a longshot to win it all, but there’s no denying the potential impact on Tyrese Haliburton’s market if they pull off the impossible. Haliburton’s cards, like his 2020 Optic Signature Series Holo Rookie PSA 10, remain reasonably priced, but the potential for growth is massive if he finds postseason glory.
Sometimes, a team rallying against the odds can generate huge momentum—not just in the standings but in the card market too.
LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
At this point, do we even need to talk about LeBron? Yes, yes, we do. The King has done it all, but another championship would only add to his legacy—and his already legendary card market.
While newer stars may see sharper rises, LeBron remains a steady presence, and any new accolades only reinforce his GOAT status. Whether you’re holding his rookie cards or more recent pieces, investing in LeBron is about as close to a safe bet as it gets in the sports card world.
Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons
We know what you’re thinking—the Pistons?! Hear us out. While Detroit isn’t likely to take home the title this season, Cade Cunningham could still end the year as a massive winner in the market. Why? Growth.
Cunningham has been leading the Pistons’ resurgence, becoming a superstar who delivers night in and night out. Even without a championship, if Detroit makes a deep playoff run, Cade could see significant movement in his card values.
Don’t Miss the Next Big Shot
There you have it—a detailed look at the players who could ride an NBA championship to new heights in the card market. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just dipping your toes into the world of sports card investing, anticipating these shifts is key to capitalizing on the craze.
Looking to stay ahead of the pack? Know the current trends, understand demand, and always aim to make your moves before the playoff hype hits. The card market waits for no one.
