Many sports fans can remember picking up a pack of cards at some point in their lives. It might’ve been with the goal of pulling a big time player, or stacking a collection to enviable levels. Some of those fans never stopped collecting cards. Instead, those cards became investments in a player’s stock, a stock with the potential to rise or fall based on a player’s production or accomplishments. For collectors who identify with that description, the NBA playoffs can be a time of great intrigue.  

Opportunities to invest in favorable cards, or sell at a peak, will continue to be present as the march to the 2024 NBA Finals continues. Here’s an overview of some our favorite NBA cards, as well as the best basketball card packs to buy, invest in, or collect.

Best Basketball Cards to Buy

Victor Wembanyama - 2023 Prizm #136 Base Rookie
When Victor Wembanyama heard his name called by Adam Silver last June, he became one of basketball’s most collectable rookies since LeBron James. For collectors, this likely isn’t a revelation. It’s worth noting, though, because the on-ramp for collecting Wembanyama at a reasonable price will only stay open for so long. His 2023 Prizm #136 Base Rookie (raw) can still be had for $56.59, a drop from the $66.29 it would’ve cost on April 25 per Market Movers. Wembanyama is the type of card that becomes the cornerstone of a collection. Move before his price climbs.

Luka Doncic - 2018 Prizm #280 Base Rookie
In his sixth NBA season, Luka Doncic was named an MVP semifinalist and continued to solidify his position in the upper echelon of players. As an established talent, his card will likely be appealing to any collector. For those without a Doncic rookie card, or those in the market for additional copies, the window before he’s named to another All-NBA team presents an opportunity. The price for this card in raw form has fluctuated between the $80-$70 range and hit a peak of $105 on April 22 per Market Movers. Finding a window between his playoff games could also lead to buying a favorable number.

Best NBA Cards to Invest In

Jalen Williams - 2022 Donruss #212 Holo Laser /149 Rookie
As a key member of the upstart Oklahoma City Thunder core, Jalen Williams might fly under the radar alongside MVP finalist Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. That hasn’t been reflected in his card value, though. On the heels of a Thunder sweep of the Pelicans, the Jalen Williams 2022 Donruss #212 Holo Laser has seen its value rise by $28.33 since April 23 according to Market Movers. This might be the last window to get on board.

Anthony Edwards - 2020 Illusions #152 Base Rookie
His name might be a trigger for Phoenix Suns fans. Still, Anthony Edwards tore through the first round and now has a date with Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets. Jokic’s running mate Jamal Murray has seen his stock explode after hitting a second game-winner in a series win over the Los Angeles Lakers. With Murray already established and a year removed from his first title, the margins might not be as favorable as investing in Edwards. The value of Edwards’ raw 2020 Illusions #152 Base Rookie has already climbed by $7.92 since April 29, according to Market Movers. 

What’s the best NBA card pack to buy and collect?

2023 Panini Prizm 
With Ice, Luck of the Lottery, and Monopoly variants, the Prizm sets from Panini are consistently among the top performing cards for buyers and sellers. The flash of the chrome and feel of the cards can make these cards stand out in packs. Base sets can even return favorable margins for collectors.

2023 Panini Donruss
Panini Donruss Rated Rookie, Optic, and Night Moves cards perform well for sellers, making for an appealing option. Anthony Edwards, Shai Gilgeous Alexander, and Jamal Murray are currently selling at an increased value in Donruss sets. Additionally, the Animation and Retro series cards might appeal to collectors who are looking for pieces that stand out. 

Best Brand of Basketball Cards

Panini continues to be a top-tier option for collectors when it comes to NBA cards. Donruss, NBA Hoops, and Select sets all exist under the Panini umbrella, giving buyers diverse options. Panini also continues to perform favorably for sellers looking to move their cards.

Are NBA cards worth buying?

Just like with any card, understanding the sport and the market created by the game itself is a key piece of buying and investing in NBA cards. For fans of the game, seasoned card collectors, or those looking for a new opportunity, NBA cards can absolutely be worth it. Pay attention to the stock of various cards and find favorable windows to buy and sell. These are some of the practices that can make NBA cards worth buying. 

Those looking for opportunity when it comes to buying and selling NBA cards will have options aplenty. With this market, tracking the performance of a card consistently and identifying the correlation between a player’s career can lead to more favorable outcomes.