Much like football, basketball rookie cards cannot be produced for incoming rookies until they declare their eligibility for the NBA draft and are selected by a team. Any previous card of the player, including those depicting them in their NCAA or High School uniforms are designated as pre-rookie cards.
The NBA has recently created a developmental league, which is the basketball equivalent of the minor leagues. Even if a drafted player is designated to an organization’s NBADL team, they are still considered a rookie and thus their trading cards can rightly be considered rookie cards.
Browse our database of basketball rookie cards which features individual NBA player RC checklists, buying guides and image galleries.
2012-13 Panini National Treasures Basketball Rookie Patch Autographs are bound to be the most expensive NBA rookie cards of the year. Get an in-depth look at the set, including images, a full checklist, team info and more.
Here’s all you need to know about the 2012-13 Panini Immaculate Basketball Rookie Autograph Patch cards. See a full image gallery, get a detailed checklist, find out who the redemptions are and more.
2012-13 Panini Preferred Basketball Rookie Silhouettes are some of the most popular rookie cards of the year. Check out the entire set with this comprehensive guide. Includes images, set details, checklist, buying guide, real-time hot list and much more.
Take a complete look at all of the 2013-14 Panini Gold Standard Basketball Rookie Jersey Autographs. Includes a full checklist, image gallery, redemption info, team details and more.
2013-14 Immaculate Basketball rookie card guide. Includes set info, checklist, gallery and shopping guide for all the rookie autograph patch cards.
Towards the end of the basketball card season, some truly high-end rookie cards hit the market. Kicking that off, and likely leading the way, are the 2013-14 Panini National Treasures Basketball rookie cards. Ever since Panini landed the exclusive NBA license, the ultra high-end brand has produced some of the most impressive — and expensive […]
Headlined by Dikembe Mutombo, John Calipari and Lisa Leslie, the 2015 Basketball Hall of Fame class joins an exclusive club. Check out a complete rookie card guide for the entire group.
The 2015 NBA Finals features the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers battling for a title. Check out the top rookie cards and more for the key players from each team.
Know where to find all the 2019-20 Panini Mosaic Basketball variations with our detailed guide. Headlined by Zion Williamson, the exclusive rookie cards showcase different images from the base cards.
Keep tabs on the 2019-20 Panini Prizm Basketball variations with a detailed checklist and gallery. The image short prints are exclusive to only a few formats.
Featuring just NBA rookies, the 2020-21 Panini Prizm Basketball variations are only found in certain formats. Know where to look and how to spot them.
A blur of speed and emotion, Allen Iverson dominated the NBA for many years, mostly with the Philadelphia 76ers. View all his rookie cards in one place with our detailed guide.
The number one overall pick in 2014 and the 2014-15 NBA Rookie of the Year, Andrew Wiggins has been on the collecting radar for some time. View all his rookie cards and notable pre-rookie options in our full guide.
As one of the top big men in the NBA, Anthony Davis rookie cards are getting a lot of attention. Get full details on all of his earliest basketball cards.
Despite being entirely exclusive to Target, 2014-15 Panini Threads Basketball makes things more interesting by dividing the various rookies by the box configuration. Check out all the rookie card options and where to find them in our detailed guide.
The sixth pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, Damian Lillard is making a strong showing for the Portland Trail Blazers. Get an in-depth look at all of his rookie cards with this comprehensive guide.
Complete 2008-09 Derrick Rose rookie card checklist with pictures of all 27 cards. Rose has a total of 16 regular base rookie cards and 11 base rookie autographs. By far his best rookie is from 2008-09 Exquisite Collection as one would expect. His hardest to find may surprise you.
As one of the top NBA players of his era, Dirk Nowitzki rookie cards have slowly gained appreciation in the hobby and that has increased with his retirement.
LeBron James rookie cards regularly top the list for basketball collectors, but not all of them get equal publicity. Check out the LeBron James rookie cards that deserve a second look.
One of the top NBA rookies in the 2014-15 class, Elfrid Payton’s play has gotten the attention of the hobby. View a complete gallery of all Elfrid Payton rookie cards, along with his key pre-rookie and college cards.
An all-time great that still does not get the credit he deserves, Elgin Baylor is one of the best players in NBA history. Take a complete look at his available vintage card options in our detailed guide.
Once again, the Miami Heat and San Antonio Spurs square off with an NBA title at stake. Several hobby heavyweights are featured in the matchup, as well as plenty of other notable players. View a complete NBA Finals guide to the top rookie card options and much more.
Few cards in the hobby history carry the same clout as the Michael Jordan rookie card. Counterfeits problems run rampant, but this simple guide helps you tell a real 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan from a fake one.
Although his rookie year ended prematurely, Jabari Parker is still a key option from the 2014-15 NBA rookie class and should not be overlooked. Check out all the rookie cards for Jabari Parker as well as his notable pre-rookie options.
By announcing that he’s the first openly gay active athlete in a major American sport, Jason Collins cemented a place in history. We look at his top cards and look at whether his announcement might lead to any added collector interest.
Karl-Anthony Towns is playing big for the Minnesota Timberwolves. See all the RC choices for KAT in one place.
One of the hottest names from the 2015 NBA Draft class, Kristaps Porzingis has the makings of a star and collectors are jumping on board. View all the Kristaps Porzingis rookie cards in our detailed guide.
Named the 2013-14 NBA Rookie of the Year, Michael Carter-Williams has bolted to the top of the basketball collecting landscape. We take a look at all his available rookie cards, including card images, analysis, shopping guide and more.
Guide to collecting Michael Jordan’s rookie cards. Includes a rookie card checklist, card gallery, and more.
One of the biggest rookie surprises for 2014-15 NBA collectors, Nikola Mirotic put forth an impressive first season. Check out a detailed look at all the Nikola Mirotic rookies cards and his key pre-rookie cards.
A giant among men, Yao Ming was a force during his prime with the Houston Rockets and only injuries kept him from greater heights in the NBA. Now that the Hall of Fame has come calling, we look back at the top Yao Ming basketball cards.
Count down the top basketball rookie cards of the 1970s. Get card info, analysis, images, buying guide and more.
Blake Griffin has shown that he is more than just a highlight-reel dunker. The dynamic forward has the LA Clippers in title contention and collectors clamoring for his rookie cards. View the top ten Blake Griffin rookie cards with our comprehensive guide.
One of the NBA’s best players, count down the 10 best Carmelo Anthony rookie cards. Includes card details, analysis, a handy buying guide and more.
CP3 has led the Suns to the NBA Finals and his cards are trending up. Check out the best Chris Paul rookie cards to grab.
Derrick Rose is getting back to his old form with the Bulls and his cards are starting to move. Join us as we count down the top ten Derrick Rose rookie cards to collect.
The Beard has the Houston Rockets positioned as one of the best teams in the NBA. Review some of the most popular James Harden rookie cards to collect.
Before dominating Capitol Hill as a Senator from Kentucky, Jim Bunning dominated the pitching mounds as a member of the Tigers and Phillies. His best baseball card appearances from his remarkable career are brought together in this comprehensive top list.
Stephen Curry is searching for another title to add to his many NBA accomplishments. Enjoy a detailed look at the top Steph Curry rookie cards to collect.
What are the best rookie cards in the history of Upper Deck Exquisite Basketball? We count down the very best names.
Vintage basketball cards tend to get overlooked in the hobby, but 10 cards stand out from the rest. View a comprehensive guide to the top ten vintage basketball rookie cards of all-time, including cards images, info, shopping guide and more.
Kevin Durant is one of the most dominant players in the league and a former MVP. Check out the best Kevin Durant rookie cards to collect.
We count down basketball’s 15 best rookie cards from the 1980s. Includes analysis, images and links to purchase.
The 1990s might not have the same NBA rookie power as the 1980s, but there are some great rookie cards to be found. We take a look at the top rookie cards from this exciting decade of basketball.
While basketball cards do not have the same rich history as baseball, there are plenty of great basketball rookie cards. We highlight the top rookie cards in NBA history, counting down from 20 to one.
Vintage Hall of Fame basketball rookie cards can command huge amounts, but deals can still be found. Take a look at the top 20 budget basketball HOF options from the 1950s and 1960s, including images, analysis and much more.
Cards don’t need to cost a fortune to be collectable. Check out 10 star NBA rookie cards for collectors on a budget. The list features NBA rookies from 2000-01 to 2009-10 products.
After a slow start and several key injuries, the 2014-15 NBA rookies are finding their way and collecting interest is building. Check out the top players to collect in the draft class, including card images, shopping guide and more.
Led by Zion Williamson, Ja Morant and Tyler Herro, the 2019-20 basketball rookie class looks strong and collectors have certainly taken notice. Keep tabs on key options and the hottest auctions in our guide.
Featuring ROY LaMelo Ball and more, track the hottest 2020-21 NBA rookies and rookie cards with a top player guide and real-time hot list.
Led by Cade Cunningham, Jalen Green, Evan Mobley, and Scottie Barnes, track the hottest 2021-22 NBA rookies and rookie cards with a top player guide and real-time hot list.
Featuring Paolo Banchero and more, keep tabs on the hottest 2022-23 NBA rookies and rookie cards with the real-time hot list and top player guide.
Kemba Walker has been overlooked for much of his NBA career but Kemba Walker rookie cards are seeing additional interest. We check out five of the best RC options.
Showing why he was the top overall pick, Ben Simmons rookie cards have taken off based on his stellar rookie season. Review some of his best first-year cards with our ranked list.
The Boston Celtics offer some of the greatest rookie cards of all-time. Check out our complete guide to both vintage and modern rookie card options for the Celtics.
The NBA scene during the 1970s was big and loud, but many Hall of Fame rookie cards can be found for cheap. View the top 15 HOF rookie cards under $50 with our helpful guide.
One of the last dynasties in professional sports, the Chicago Bulls are largely remembered for their dominance in the 1990s. However, the team has seen success in many decades and offers collectors an appealing mix of top rookie card options.
As one of the elite scorers in the NBA, Devin Booker rookie cards are becoming a hobby favorite. Take a look at some of the key cards from his first season.
Even in retirement, Dwyane Wade rookie autograph cards remain very popular. Check out his key autographed cards from early in his NBA career with the Miami Heat.
Get freaky with our guide to the very best Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie cards. Includes full details on his most popular and valuable first-year cards.
The Ja Morant rookie cards are coming on strong. View some of the best choices among his first-year base cards, inserts and autographs.
Jayson Tatum has helped the Boston Celtics become one of the best teams in the NBA and his rookie cards are getting more attention. Check out some of the key first-year cards for Tatum.
As the NBA Finals MVP for the Spurs and Raptors, Kawhi Leonard rookie cards have started to make the ascent into superstar territory. Check out the best choices from his earliest basketball cards.
With plenty of titles and some of the biggest names in basketball history, the Minneapolis and Los Angeles Lakers feature a plethora of cardboard talent. Check out the top Lakers rookie cards of all-time in our detailed guide.
Building on his Rookie of the Year season, LaMelo Ball rookie cards continue to receive attention from collectors. Take a look at some of the top rookies for the Charlotte Hornets’ young star.
With so many LeBron James rookie cards to choose from, which are the best? We count down the top rookies for the NBA superstar.
Love him or hate him, Lonzo Ball is still working on his NBA career. Keep up with the top rookie card options for the young star using our detailed guide.
An impressive start to his NBA career with the Mavs has Luka Doncic rookie cards on the rise. We take a look at some of his best rookie options available.
The Hall of Fame is the peak of sporting recognition, but it does not have to mean that the player’s rookie cards are unaffordable. With that in mind, we take a look at 20 budget rookie cards for Basketball HOF players after 1980.
The New York Knicks weren’t always so bad. Try and remember the good times with our guide to the top modern and vintage New York Knicks rookie cards of all-time.
As one of the best big men in the NBA, Nikola Jokic rookie cards are enjoying more attention from the hobby. Check out some of his top rookies available.
Featuring some of the top players in NBA history, the Philadelphia 76ers are loaded with rookie collecting goodness. Check out the top vintage and modern rookie card options for the 76ers in our detailed guide.
One of the top players in the league, Russell Westbrook continues to produce. Join us as we count down the best rookie cards for the prolific NBA superstar.
One of the top modern NBA franchises, the San Antonio Spurs offer collectors a good supply of top rookie cards and plenty of great budget options. Check out the best Spurs rookie cards of all-time in our detailed guide.
Check out some of the best Trae Young rookie cards with a list of his top base rookies and autographs.
Zion is a beast on the court and the Zion Williamson rookie cards are heating up! Keep tabs on all his best NBA rookie cards and autographs in one place.
Collectors and fans hope Trey Burke can use his strong rookie season as a springboard to longterm NBA success. Check out a complete rookie card guide for the young guard.
Now that the 2009-10 basketball card season has officially come to a close, we countdown the top five true rookie cards of 2009-10 NBA Rookie of the Year Tyreke Evans. From Crown Royale to Playoff Contenders, we cover all the requisite cardboard of the NBA’s “Smooth Operator”.
There is no debating the importance of the 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card, but there are quite a few other early MJ cards that are also worthy of recognition. We take a detailed look at the top Michael Jordan cards of the 1980s.
Thanks to his Hall of Fame career largely spent with the Timberwolves and Celtics, collectors are revisiting the Kevin Garnett rookie cards. Check out the full lineup with a detailed guide for the NBA legend.
One of the greats on the court and in the hobby, Kobe Bryant is an NBA legend. Check out full details and images for all his 1996-97 rookie cards in our comprehensive guide.
Already an NBA star, Kyrie Irving looks to add to the legacy of the Brooklyn Nets. All his 2012-13 rookie cards are covered in our detailed guide.
LeBron James is an NBA superstar and the LeBron James rookie cards are legendary in the hobby. Check out the full RC checklist, gallery and hot list.
With the Celtics star headed to the Hall of Fame, Paul Pierce rookie cards are trending up. Dig into the full rookie selection for “The Truth.”
A member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, Shaquille O’Neal is one of the biggest players in NBA history, on and off the court. View all the Shaq rookie cards and his other key early cards in our detailed guide.
With many choices available, picking a Stephen Curry rookie might take some time. To help, we have compiled all the Steph Curry rookie cards in one place.
Tim Duncan retired after a legendary career with the San Antonio Spurs and enters the Hall of Fame in the 2020 class. View all the official Tim Duncan rookie cards in one place.
The 2nd overall pick had a successful debut season, making Victor Oladipo one of the hottest 2013-14 NBA rookies. Check out a comprehensive guide for the exciting guard, including full checklist, images of every rookie card, analysis, shopping guide and more.
