Ricky Rubio seemed to be a basketball myth. A dynamic passer with amazing court vision and ball-handling abilities, he evoked images of Pete Maravich. He was drafted by the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2009, but remained overseas for two seasons. Although it was inevitable that Rubio would eventually make his way over to the NBA, critics wondered if his abilities could match up to the athletes he would face in the NBA. In spite of lockout concerns, Rubio decided to join the team for the 2011-12 season and, for now, the critics have been silenced. The time to buy Ricky Rubio cards is now as the Spaniard has looked great off the bench for the Wolves. Collectors finally have a starting point for the young point guard and his promising future.
Rubio is part of a talented team built on youthful exuberance. The Wolves feature other young players like Kevin Love and Derrick Williams who will form a great nucleus for on-court and hobby success. Despite the small Minnesota market, there is already considerable interest in Ricky Rubio cards. While not the current frontrunner for NBA Rookie of the Year, Rubio is certainly in the discussion. If he can nab the hardware, obviously, his values will spike. This would make for an unusual circumstance where three players taken in the 2009 NBA Draft would have been named Rookie of the Year in consecutive seasons. Tyreke Evans won in 2009-10 and Blake Griffin won in 2010-11. This would inevitably lead to a renewed interest in 2009-10 products that are already highly coveted because of Griffin.
Despite the building hobby interest in Ricky Rubio cards, autographs are hard to come by outside of trading cards. That will soon change.
Due to the fact that there was no reasonable timetable for him to join the NBA, there are only eight rookie Ricky Rubio cards. They are evenly distributed among all budget levels.
Top 3 Ricky Rubio Rookie Cards
2009-10 Exquisite Collection #44 Autograph #/225
The 2009-10 Exquisite Ricky Rubio rookie card is the clear favorite among collectors. The simple design features an image of Rubio directing his team as well as an on-card autograph and serial numbering. The card is limited to 225 copies and will remain a top-draw for collectors. There is another version (card #73) in the base set that is very similar. The card is also signed but showcases another image of Rubio and is not considered his true rookie card from the Exquisite set.
2009-10 Timeless Treasures #108 Autograph #/299
The 2009-10 Timeless Treasures Ricky Rubio card features a somewhat limited print run of 299 and while not technically on-card, the cut-style autograph is still much more desirable than a sticker. The design seems forced and the awkward image of Rubio in the corner further adds to the confusion. All things considered, this card would not normally be considered a top option. However, as one of the only two autographed rookie Ricky Rubio cards and limited availability, Timeless Treasures makes the list because of the positive aspects it brings, not the card as a whole.
2009-10 Playoff National Treasures #200 #/99
Rubio's National Treasures card is the only unsigned card in the top three. Numbered to 99, it is part of the elite National Treasures brand. Even without his signature, the card commands strong values. If it was signed, it would be the undisputed king of Ricky Rubio cards.
The set does feature a signed insert of Rubio that is selling well. The autographed card is part of the Century Signatures set and is also numbered to 99 but is not a true rookie.
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Ricky Rubio Rookie Card Checklist
Premium Rookie Cards
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Ricky Rubio Autographed Memorabilia Buying Guide
Below you will find an example of what Ricky Rubio's authentic signature looks like. This can be used as a first point of reference for determining the legitimacy of autograph memorabilia, but is not a substitute for having your items authenticated by a well-respected professional autograph authentication company.
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