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The NBA season is in full swing as we approach the holiday season. This offseason has had its fair share of blockbuster trades and free-agency signings but the newly drafted rookie class is a loaded conversation on its own. As we have begun to see the talent come to fruition on the big stage, it’s time to discuss who rounds out this year’s best rookies to collect.
5. Amen Thompson
Amen was the first Thompson twin drafted, by the Houston Rockets at pick number 4. While he unfortunately suffered an ankle sprain just four games in, the upside on his talent is too substantial to ignore. In his time with Overtime Elite the year before being drafted, he averaged 17 points, 7 rebounds, and 9 assists per game. Amen and his brother are featured in 2021-22 Topps Chrome Overtime Elite, where their first appearance on a sports card is featured. Amen’s value has held steady with his Overtime Elite Cards, but look for it to boom in the NBA-licensed products, such as Panini Prizm and Panini Mosaic, as they begin to drop throughout the year
4. Scoot Henderson
After being drafted by the Portland Trailblazers with the 3rd pick in the NBA draft, Scoot Henderson spent some time on and off the court with a nagging ankle injury. Scoot came straight from high school into the G League and averaged over 20 points in his 2022-23 campaign making him one of the best young talents available in the draft. Although Scoot Henderson started his career in the G-League, the first iteration of his cards can be found in products like Bowman University and Panini Prizm Draft Picks. With the recent release of NBA Hoops he is also featured in an insert set called “Presentations”. Look for Scoot to be included in other new rookie insert sets across the different NBA products.
3. Brandon Miller
Brandon Miller led one of the best college basketball teams in the country last year, bringing them to the Sweet Sixteen where his skills were put on a national platform. He averaged close to 20 points, 8 rebounds, and a few assists per game through 37 total games. He has already had a major impact on the Charlotte Hornets who selected him at number 2 overall. With appearances in Bowman University and Panini Prizm Draft Picks, Brandon Miller is due to be a chase in all NBA licensed products such as NBA Hoops which just released! His early collegiate cards still hold great value and his market should only increase the bigger his role on the court becomes.
2. Ausar Thompson
The second of the Thompson twins in this top 5 was drafted by the Detroit Pistons with the number 5 pick of the draft. While averaging a little bit over 10 points a game, his game sticks out with his size and ability to rebound. He is known to have great finishing ability and to affect every play with his transition abilities. He will be a part of a great foundation that Detroit is building as they continue to grow their young talent. Ausar accompanied his brother in the Overtime Elite league, making his cards become available sooner than others in their class. Look for him to be prevalent in all coming NBA sets, especially those with rookie insert sets.
1. Victor Wembanyama
There is a clear number one in this year’s class and that is Victor Wembanyama. Considered as the next generational talent, this 7’4” center will be the face of the league before we know it. His athletic ability and rare shooting talent at his listed height has never been seen before. He will also be led by one of the greatest coaches of all time in Greg Popovich, making his future even brighter. Wembanyama was first featured on a sports card in Sports Illustrated For Kids. These cards are now consistently selling for several hundred dollars. Although, some would argue his appearance in Bowman Chrome University is his first sports card, where he signed his first autograph card alongside Michael Rubin. Regardless, Victor Wembanyama is destined for greatness and his cards value will surely reflect that.
Honorable Mention: Chet Holmgreen
Chet Holmgreen is technically a rookie due to sitting out his first year eligible from an injury suffered in the offseason. With that being said, he is playing with the best in class from either year. His length and athleticism have given him scoring opportunities all over the floor. With his rookie cards available from last year’s major products, such as Panini Prizm, his hobby value ceiling is limitless. Look for Chet to be featured in some major autograph insert sets this year as he looks to continue to build his case as the face of the league.
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