Kemba Walker Rookie Cards Checklist and Guide
It might not be the case now, but Kemba Walker knows how to win. The young point guard is raising his game and collectors may want to turn their attention to Kemba Walker rookie cards. They're still relatively inexpensive, even high-end options that come with autographed or with a low serial number.
Because Walker debuted during the shortened 2011-12 NBA season, his rookie cards were held back until 2012-13. Panini, who holds the exclusive card license for the league, has options available at several price levels.
Walker won a National Championship in 2011 playing for the University of Connecticut. A few months later, he was drafted by Charlotte at the 2011 NBA Draft with the ninth-overall pick.
Playing for the small-market Charlotte Bobcats should keep Kemba Walker cards out of the hobby spotlight a little longer. But if his game continues to improve and the Bobcats find a way to win some games, there is a lot of room for movement. And right now, there's not much risk.
Although Kemba Walker rookie cards are found in 2012-13 products, Panini did release a trio of autograph redemptions in 2011-12 Panini Past & Present, 2011-12 Panini Gold Standard and 2011-12 Panini Limited. The first Kemba Walker cards date back to 2008 Topps McDonald's All-American. Topps produced cards of those appearing in the game. These were then handed out to players and copies made their way to the secondary market. Collectors can look for autographed and unsigned versions.
Kemba Walker Rookie Card Guide
Please note that this is an ongoing guide that highlights all Kemba Walker rookie cards issued as part of an NBA base set. We'll add to the list as more cards are released. Click on the card name to shop for singles on eBay.
2012-13 Elite Kemba Walker RC #209 #/599
Other than the modest serial number, the 2012-13 Elite Kemba Walker is a fairly standard rookie card. The numbering adds some desirability but it should available at a reasonable price for the foreseeable future.
2012-13 NBA Hoops Kemba Walker RC #230
The 2012-13 NBA Hoops Kemba Walker rookie card is a great card for casual collectors or those just getting started. Its supply is plentiful so it should always remain affordable. The design is clean, made stronger by a nice action shot (although, one might wonder why the person in the black jacket has his back turned).
2012-13 Panini Kemba Walker RC #226
It's not a low-end card, but it's certainly not high-end either. The 2012-13 Panini Kemba Walker may appeal to casual collectors looking for a reasonably priced rookie card. It comes with a clean design and a great action photo.
2012-13 Panini Absolute Kemba Walker RC #246 Autograph #/199
The combination of an autograph and low printed run of 199 numbered copies make this one of the top Kemba Walker rookie cards. The posed photo shows a lot of detail, giving it a more intense feel. The autograph is signed on a sticker.
2012-13 Panini Contenders Kemba Walker RC #274 Autograph
The Contenders name has a long history with rookie card collectors. While 2012-13 Panini Contenders Basketball abandoned the Rookie Ticket theme, the design is nonetheless distinct. Although not numbered, the card is signed.
2012-13 Panini Limited Kemba Walker RC #197 Autograph #/278 - Redemption
Distributed via redemption, the 2012-13 Panini Limted Kemba Walker rookie card comes printed on die-cut acetate. The card is shaped like the NBA's Rookie of the Year Trophy. The different look should make it stand out among his other rookies.
2012-13 Panini Prestige Kemba Walker RC #156
Like NBA Hoops, 2012-13 Panini Prestige is another affordable option that should appeal most to casual collectors. The card is simple, delivering a pair of photographs. It's fairly easy to find and should remain affordable for years to come.
2012-13 Panini Prizm Kemba Walker RC #225
2012-13 Panini Prizm was the company's breakthrough product of the year. That said, none of the base cards are short-printed so prices have remained moderately low. The real bang comes in the Refractor-like Green and Gold Prizm parallels, which have been wildly popular.
2012-13 Panini Threads Kemba Walker RC #158 Autograph
2012-13 Panini Threads rookie cards are printed on a wood-like card stock. This gives them a distinct look and feel. All come autographed as well. Not numbered, this Kemba Walker rookie card is one of his more affordable signed rookie cards. The look may not appeal to everyone, but this style has had its fans for more than a decade.
2012-13 Panini Timeless Treasures Kemba Walker RC #203 Autograph #/349 Redemption
Inserted in packs as a redemption, all rookie cards in 2012-13 Panini Timeless Treasures have a unique look to them. Autographed stickers are applied to a clear window. This makes the signature visible on both sides of the card.
2012-13 Panini Totally Certified Kemba Walker RC #216
Featuring an etched foil design, the 2012-13 Panini Totally Certified Kemba Walker is instantly recognizable. Base versions should remain affordable for all given that it's without an autograph or serial number. That said, the release has several colorful parallels that are popular with collectors and command strong prices.
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