Show Notes
From Victor Wembanyama’s generational hype to Anthony Edwards becoming one of the faces of the league, and now Cooper Flagg ushering in the new Topps era of NBA cards, there’s no shortage of incredible rookie cards to chase from the past six years!
But here’s the question: Which rookie cards actually belong at the top of your want list?
Our list is not based solely on who the best players are today, but on which chromium base rookie cards will collectors still be chasing years from now?
Grab your binder, pull up your eBay watch list, and let’s count down the 12 most collectible NBA rookie cards of the 2020s!
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The Best of the Rest
13. 2021 Prizm Scottie Barnes - Card No. 320 - View on eBay!
14. 2023 Prizm Brandon Miller - Card No. 152 - View on eBay!
15. 2022 Prizm Chet Holmgren - Card No. 266 - View on eBay!
16. 2021 Prizm Franz Wagner - Card No. 310 - View on eBay!
17. 2023 Prizm Amen Thompson - Card No. 150 - View on eBay!
18. 2021 Prizm Alperen Sengun – Card No. 318 - View on eBay!
19. 2021 Prizm Austin Reaves - Card No. 165 - View on eBay!
20. 2024 Prizm Zaccharie Risacher – Card No. 265 - View on eBay!
21. 2024 Prizm Matas Buzelis - Card No. 252 - View on eBay!
Strong-Term Long-Term Holds!
12. Stephon Castle — 2024 Panini Prizm #234
Castle has all the tools to become one of the NBA's premier two-way guards, combining elite perimeter defense, playmaking ability, and the size to guard multiple positions. If his outside shot continues to improve, his rookie card could become one of the biggest bargains from the 2024 draft class as collectors recognize his All-Star potential.
11. LaMelo Ball — 2020 Panini Prizm #278
Ball won NBA Rookie of the Year in 2021 and quickly became one of basketball’s most entertaining playmakers with his flashy passing and deep shooting range. Despite battling injuries, his Prizm rookie card remains one of the hobby’s most recognizable modern basketball cards. His move to Minnesota could finally bring him some playoff success and a higher profile than he has had in the past.
10. V.J. Edgecombe — 2025 Topps Chrome #253
The Baylor product is one of the most explosive athletes in the 2025 rookie class, drawing attention for his highlight-reel dunks and defensive intensity. His Topps rookie card offers collectors plenty of upside as he continues to develop at the NBA level. But playing on the 76ers, it’s going to be tough to find shots in his second year, with Joel Embiid, LeBron James and Jaylen Brown joining the team.
9. Tyrese Maxey — 2020 Panini Prizm #256
Speaking of Philly, Maxey has gone from a late first-round draft pick to one of the NBA’s most exciting scoring guards through relentless improvement. While his chances of going deep into the playoffs have improved with offseason additions to the 76ers, Maxey will have to get camera time while fighting many other personalities than he has in recent years.
Maxey’s Prizm rookie card has rewarded collectors who recognized his upside before he became an All-Star.
Tier 2 Future Cornerstones
8. Dylan Harper — 2025 Topps Chrome #252
The son of five-time NBA champion Ron Harper, Dylan Harper entered the NBA carrying both elite pedigree and enormous expectations. His Topps Chrome rookie card still has great upside as the Spurs have to figure out if Harper is going to overtake De’Aaron Fox in the starting lineup.
7. Kon Knueppel — 2025 Topps Chrome #254
One of the top rookies from the 2025 draft class, Knueppel quickly earned praise for his elite shooting touch and polished offensive game. He set the all-time NBA rookie record by making 207 three-pointers in a single season, and his stats compare favorably with Larry Bird at this stage in their careers. Knueppel’s Topps Chrome rookie card is viewed as one of the better long-term pickups.
6. Paolo Banchero — 2022 Panini Prizm #249
Banchero made an immediate impact by winning NBA Rookie of the Year after being selected first overall in 2022. His Magic team just hasn’t been able to put together a nice playoff run, which would help his exposure considerably. Banchero’s Prizm rookie card anchors a talented draft class and remains one of the hobby’s favorite modern base rookies.
5. Jalen Williams — 2022 Panini Prizm #246
Nicknamed “J-Dub,” Williams has become one of basketball’s fastest-rising young stars thanks to his efficient scoring and versatile game. He might play Scottie Pippen to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s Michael Jordan, but that could be enough to earn him a handful of rings. Williams’ Prizm rookie card has gained significant momentum as Oklahoma City has emerged as a championship contender.
4. Cade Cunningham — 2021 Panini Prizm #282
The first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cunningham has developed into one of the league’s premier all-around guards. He’s built like a vending machine, with great touch, a fierce penchant for driving the lane, and good looks that garner attention from cameras. His Prizm rookie remains the key card from one of the hobby’s strongest modern rookie classes.
Tier 1 — The Franchise Rookie Cards
3. Anthony Edwards — 2020 Panini Prizm #258
Ant-Man has become one of the NBA’s biggest highlight-makers, known for his explosive dunks and fearless personality. His Prizm rookie card has steadily climbed as collectors increasingly view him as one of the faces of the league’s next generation.
2. Victor Wembanyama — 2023 Panini Prizm #136
Wemby’s Prizm rookie card is already considered one of the most important basketball cards of the decade thanks to his unprecedented combination of size, skill, and global popularity. Many collectors compare the demand for his rookie cards to the excitement surrounding LeBron James’ debut over 20 years ago.
1. Cooper Flagg — 2025 Topps Chrome #251
As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, Flagg entered the league with as much hobby hype as Wemby — but with a domestic flavor. Flagg’s arrival coincided with Fanatics getting the NBA license, which makes his Topps rookie card one of the defining modern basketball cards of the past 20 years — especially if he develops into the franchise superstar many project.
Which NBA rookie cards do you think deserve to be ranked higher — or lower! Which guys did I forget about altogether!?!
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