Top Russell Westbrook Rookie Cards to Collect
The triple-double machine has proven to be an elite option in the NBA, pushing Russell Westbrook rookie cards back in the spotlight. While the former MVP first made his mark with the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise, he later moved to the Houston Rockets before joining the Washington Wizards.
In addition to Russell Westbrook rookie cards, the 2008-09 rookie class includes Derrick Rose and Kevin Love. Because he is part of a popular rookie class, unopened boxes with Westbrook's official rookies are much tougher to track down. However, singles are not hard to find and there are a good amount of low-end rookie card options along with several autographed cards.
View the most popular Russell Westbrook card auctions on eBay.
The guide below highlights the most popular and valuable rookies for Westbrook, including all the signed versions.
For more choices, view a full Russell Westbrook rookie card checklist in our detailed player profile.
Top Russell Westbrook Rookie Cards
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10T. 2008-09 Bowman Chrome Russell Westbrook RC #114
A terrific option that falls lower on the lower end of the price scale, Russell Westbrook was part of the final basketball rookie class to be featured in Bowman Chrome.
In addition to the base rookie card, there is also a signed card, with a different image and card number (#154), included in the main set. Collectors looking for more rarity and value can check out the Refractor parallels for each.
10T. 2008-09 Topps Chrome Russell Westbrook RC #184
Similar to Bowman Chrome, Topps Chrome is another less expensive rookie option for Russell Westbrook that has a strong following thanks to the Refractor parallels. Topps Chrome edges Bowman Chrome slightly, but the cards are fundamentally very similar.
2008-09 Topps Chrome Basketball also has an autographed version (#224) in the main set with a different image.
9. 2008-09 SP Rookie Threads Russell Westbrook RC #67 Autographed Jersey #/599
The large print run makes the 2008-09 SP Rookie Threads card for Russell Westbrook one of the most affordable options among his signed rookie cards. One noticeable downside is that the autograph is placed over a die-cut jersey piece. When the black part of the jersey is used, it is much harder to see the signature. There are some with white jersey pieces that are easier to read, but the versions with black jerseys appear to be more common.
8. 2008-09 Upper Deck Radiance Russell Westbrook RC #90RC Autograph #/99
Sitting at just 99 copies, Russell Westbrook's Radiance rookie card is tied with UD Black and SPx as the rarest cards on the list. Although it is a little busy, the card design works, but the sticker is disappointing and the cards can be harder to locate at times. Don't be thrown by the image of a smiling Westbrook as many of his 2008-09 cards display similar emotions.
7. 2008-09 Fleer Hot Prospects Russell Westbrook RC #140 Autograph Jersey #/199
Utilizing a sticker autograph that can blend into the design, Hot Prospects adds a small jersey piece and a print run of 199. There is also an unsigned version of the card that features blue foil.
6. 2008-09 SPx Russell Westbrook RC #114, 124 Autograph Jersey #/99
In typical SPx fashion, the loud design is neither subtle nor simple. Although the print run is 99 copies, there are actually two versions—home and away—with minimal differences.
5. 2008-09 Upper Deck Premier Russell Westbrook RC #104 Autograph Jersey #/199
One of the better Russell Westbrook rookie card values on the list, UD Premier features most of the attributes that collectors look for except for a strong brand name. The on-card signature and lower print run are further enhanced by the larger die-cut jersey display.
4. 2008-09 Ultimate Collection Russell Westbrook RC #127 Autograph Jersey #/150
With an appealing design, jumbo jersey piece and strong brand recognition, the Ultimate Collection rookie card for Westbrook is a clear favorite for collectors. The only apparent downside is the awkward signing area that is squeezed into the corner. The base version is numbered to 150, but there is also a signed Silver parallel, numbered to 60, and a signed patch parallel that is limited to only 10 copies.
3. 2008-09 UD Black Russell Westbrook RC #46 Autograph Jersey #/99
Although the basic layout is similar to UD Premier, 2008-09 UD Black is in a league of its own when it comes to design. Heavy on black and foil, the Russell Westbrook rookie card really stands out based on the on-card silver ink autograph.
2. 2008-09 SP Authentic Russell Westbrook RC #139 Autograph Jersey #/299
It might seem odd that two of the most plentiful signed rookie cards for Russell Westbrook occupy the top spots, but given the card quality and brand legacy, it should not be surprising. SP Authentic has long been a popular stop for rookie collectors and the 2008-09 rookie for Westbrook regularly sells for a premium.
There is also a rare retail version that replaces the jersey piece with red foil. The retail edition is not numbered.
1. 2008-09 Exquisite Collection Russell Westbrook RC #93 Autograph Jersey #/225
A print run of 225 sounds gargantuan for 2008-09 Exquisite Collection NBA—and it is—but that did not keep the high-end Russell Westbrook rookie card out of the top spot. Collectors can expect to pay thousands, and much more for high grades, to acquire these popular rookies.
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