As the dawn of the 2025-26 NBA season breaks with the kind of fanfare that could make even the Super Bowl blush, basketball fans are greeted with two made-for-TV matchups that promise fireworks. The Thunder, still basking in the glow of their championship win, invite us once more to witness the spectacle that is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, this time against the Rockets who boast a rejuvenated Kevin Durant poised to make his own headlines. Meanwhile, across the coast, the Lakers, with their juggernaut duo LeBron James and Luka Dončić, prepare to face the energizing force that is Stephen Curry and his Warriors. While the marquee names shine under the sports spotlight, an intriguing subplot unfolds beneath—one that collectors and enthusiasts avidly follow: the fluctuating value of NBA player cards.
For those with a penchant for trading cards, it’s been a month of noteworthy movement, as some players’ cards have skyrocketed while others have cooled as quickly as they’ve heated up.
Victor Wembanyama, the towering star from San Antonio standing at an eye-popping 7 foot 3, appears ready to take the league by storm once again. Missing half of last season due to health concerns, Wembanyama steps into his third year amidst a tidal wave of anticipation surrounding a potential Defensive Player of the Year campaign, provided he remains fit. This resurgence of optimism has done wonders for the value of his cards, not least the stunning 2024-25 Panini Hoops Anti Gravity 13, which sees collectors flocking to grab a piece of what could be a remarkable journey.
Over in the Windy City, Matas Buzelis’ late bloom last season with the Bulls has turned naysayers into believers. His ascension from benchwarmer to a starter averaging over 13 points a game has redefined expectations for year two, lifting his card prices as investors place their bets on his continued rise. The 2024-25 Panini Prizms Green 252 card now gleams like an emerald on display.
Following a midseason move, Bogdan Bogdanovic gave the Clippers a much-needed injection of scoring consistency. A pivotal contributor in their playoff chase, his unerring shot and presence have shone brightly. With the Clippers’ strategic retooling and Bogdanovic’s inherent reliability, it’s no wonder his cards, like the 2024-25 Panini Mosaic Purple 138, have seen renewed interest ahead of the tip-off.
Then there’s Terrence Shannon Jr., whose initial struggles with the Timberwolves were quickly overshadowed by a strong finish. At 6 foot 6, Shannon has adjusted to the rhythm of the NBA and finds himself poised for a more prominent role. As a result, collectors, always eager to perceive the next big success story, have gradually inflated the value of his 2024-25 Select Orange Flash Prizms 78.
Of course, the market is as much about spotting value in dips as it is about riding the peaks. Such is the case for Joel Embiid, whose MVP-worthy seasons are increasingly overshadowed by a nagging specter of injuries. Ever since knee surgery, concerns about his longevity have caused buyers to pause. Thus, cards like the 2024-25 Donruss Playmakers 5 have slightly dipped as people await proof of sustained health from the beloved Philadelphia giant.
In Memphis, Zach Edey’s rookie season flashed brilliance before it was disrupted by an ill-timed ankle injury. Now, with an estimated two-month delay to his sophomore campaign, enthusiasm has cooled, leaving a lingering patience in transactions involving his cards, like the 2024-25 Panini Prizm Black Purple Ice Prizm 64.
Jaylen Wells dazzled as a second-round surprise for the Grizzlies but faces the infamous sophomore hump. While his initial campaign had moments worth savoring, some worry about potential regression has trickled into his card valuations, reflected in the sagging interest in pieces such as the 2024-25 Donruss Optic Photon Prizms 252.
Lastly, Baylor Scheierman’s muted role in Boston hints at untapped potential, but the market waits for proof. Tiny spikes in his workload, playoff cameos included, have not yet convinced collectors to push for his rookies, like the 2024-25 Panini Mosaic Rookie Scripts RS-BAY, whose prices have gently drifted down as fans await more substantial evidence of his impact.
The tapestry of the NBA is vast, woven with stories not just of athletic prowess but of shrewd investments and astute gambits in the collector’s realm. As the games tip-off, eyes will look to the court and the trading floor, entwined in a captivating dance of expectation and speculation.
