Those in the hobby know how excruciating it is to wait for sets containing the best rookie cards. This is especially true at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, when the distribution of new sports card products stopped for a while. The story is different now with Panini churning out set after set, much to the delight of collectors around the world. The latest to hit the market is one of their flagship products: the NBA Hoops.
This set, in particular, has been eagerly awaited by enthusiasts for the past few months. After weeks of action, it’s now clear who the NBA’s hottest rookies are. With the release of this product, collectors can go hunting for cards from these guys.
To give you an idea of how crazy they are, here are the 5 sickest NBA Hoops cards from Panini’s latest offering.
5. NBA Hoops Rookie Ink Josh Giddey Auto Red 24/25
While most of the attention has been on Cade Cunnigham and Evan Mobley, little fanfare was given to Josh Giddey when he entered the league last year. Well, that’s no longer the case with the Oklahoma City Thunder’s top rookie who brought down the New York Knicks in their own home with a historical triple-double.
In light of this incredible achievement, there’s no better Giddey rookie card to own in Panini’s latest NBA Hoops set than this automatic value. $989. Although this is not a signed card, the overall look of the sweater and its limited edition make it a worthy addition to any collection.
4. NBA Hoops Evan Mobley Rookie Ink
Watching the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, most fans are still surprised at how good they have become after several years languishing at the bottom. Much of this progress can be attributed to Mobley’s arrival on The Land.
In 34.1 minutes per game this season, the big man is posting 14.9 points, 8.1 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.6 blocks. Pair him with a core of Darius Garland and Jarrett Allen and the Cavaliers can play both ends of the court effectively.
It’s not just on the pitch that Mobley is making an impact. His NBA Hoops Rookie Ink self is proof that the card market recognizes his outstanding performance. Compared to the previous entry, this unnumbered self-adhesive card is far more valuable with a price tag of $2,000 On ebay.
3. NBA Hoops Jonathan Kuminga Press Proof Gold 5/10
What do you get when you pair a promising recruit with a short printed card that can’t be easily obtained? When you put this type of card and Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors, you end up with a rookie card worth $2,025 when it was last sold on the market.
Besides the inherent appeal of this card, Kuminga’s defensive potential and athleticism can be used to extend the Warriors dynasty, years after Stephen Curry’s retirement. Either way, this short printed card is definitely one for the books.
2. NBA Hoops Scottie Barnes Press Proof Gold 10/10
While this Scottie Barnes rookie card is technically the same as Kuminga’s, there are several differences that make it more valuable to $2,325.
For one thing, Barnes is the better player between the two averaging 14.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.0 steals per game. The card itself is the last print in a series of 10, which makes it more valuable in the market.
Take those two details together, add the fact that Barnes’ future in the NBA is getting brighter by the day, and you’ll have a guard in your card collection.
1. NBA Hoops Cade Cunningham and Luka Doncic Dual Auto Art Signatures
Above each entry on this list is none other than 2021 No. 1 overall pick Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons, who is on an insane card with Dallas Mavericks All-Star Luka Doncic.
While their teams are on opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to wins, the way these two perform on the pitch is par for the course with exceptional attacking and playing skills in their respective arsenals. Which is why it makes sense that this automatic double card is valued at $5,000 on eBay since Cunningham and Doncic have incredibly bright futures ahead of them.
With new products soon to flood the market, the window to get those NBA Hoops cards is getting shorter. In any case, these cards from Panini’s latest set are the ones that will surely be the bestsellers in the months to come.