Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin cards had all the makings of an epic failure for collectors. Although he excelled during his two seasons at Oklahoma and was rewarded as the number one selection by the Los Angeles Clippers, an early injury took away his true rookie season. Comparisons were quickly made to another former top pick with injury issues, Greg Oden. Collectors were understandably concerned with a player who not only missed an entire season but also played for the Clipper, which, up until recently, was a hobby wasteland. Almost all those doubts were erased during the 2010-11 season and Blake Griffin cards and memorabilia prices haven't been the same.

Still considered a rookie by the league, Griffin certainly did not play like one. The value of Blake Griffin cards and memorabilia exploded as he ran away with the Rookie of the Year honors. He was also named the Slam Dunk champion.

With a considerable amount of young talent around him and a growing fanbase, Griffin is primed to push his hobby standing to great heights. Griffin has also increased his recognition with his participation in several "Funny or Die" sketches that showcased his humor and charisma. Although these opportunities are not enough to sustain values for a player that is not producing on the court, they can serve as catalyst for a rapid ascension into elite status generally reserved for the likes of Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. As a result, Blake Griffin cards have a tremendous upside.

Blake Griffin is one of a handful of top Panini exclusives and should remain a cornerstone of the brand. Because of this and his young age, Griffin should continue to be a hobby mainstay and elite collecting option.

There are 26 Blake Griffin cards that carry the rookie designation, falling across all price ranges. The top three Blake Griffin cards can be seen below.

Top 3 Blake Griffin Rookie Cards

2009-10 National Treasures #201 (/99, Autographed Jersey)

National Treasures is a high-end product from Panini that carries a lot of weight in the hobby. Understandably, when Blake Griffin emerged as an elite player, these cards were the top choice for many collectors. The large jersey patch, on-card autograph and miniscule 99-card print run make it the top choice of all Blake Griffin cards.

2009-10 Exquisite Collection #43 (/225)

Although it is not an autographed card, the Exquisite rookie of Blake Griffin is still highly sought after. Numbered to 225, the card is almost underwhelming based on its simple design and high price tag. It would have been interesting to see the two heavyweights, Exquisite and National Treasures, go head-to-head with autographed versions for the ultimate basketball showdown. However, Grffin's exclusive deal with Panini prevented him from signing cards for Upper Deck Exquisite. This is still one of the top Blake Griffin cards to own.

2009-10 Crown Royale #108 (/399, Autograph)

The popular Crown Royale die-cut design combined with an on-card auto and decent print run of 299 make this a solid rookie to pursue if you are looking for a top Blake Griffin rookie card that won't cost you more than a month's rent.

Best Match Items Ending First Newly-Listed Items First Price + Shipping: Lowest First Price + Shipping: Highest First

2009 10 TOPPS GOLD #316 BLAKE GRIFFIN ROOKIE RC 2009 ROY $39.95

09 10 ADRENALYN XL 9 PACK LOT POSSIBLE BLAKE GRIFFIN RC $17.95

2009 10 UPPER DECK 1ST EDITION #177 BLAKE GRIFFIN ROOKIE RC GOLD $39.95

2009 10 UPPER DECK #226 BLAKE GRIFFIN ROOKIE SP RC ROY CLIPPERS $17.95

2009 10 UD 1ST EDITION #177 BLAKE GRIFFIN ROOKIE RC GOLD BGS-9 $39.95

2009 10 ELITE NATIONAL #21 BLAKE GRIFFIN ROOKIE RC 499 PROMO CLIPPERS $17.95

2009 10 TOPPS #316 BLAKE GRIFFIN ROOKIE RC ROY SLAM DUNK CLIPPERS $15.95

2009 10 PRESTIGE #155 BLAKE GRIFFIN ROOKIE RC 999 ROY CLIPPERS $19.95