The NBA Active Players Fueling Basketball Card Boom
- Jeff Brighton
- Oct 20
- 2 min read
Updated: Nov 25
The sports trading card market isn’t just alive—it’s roaring like a playoff crowd in June. While nostalgia for legends like Jordan and Kobe still fuels collectors, today’s market is increasingly shaped by active stars whose on-court dominance translates directly into cardboard gold. Using Gemrate's September 2025 report based on eBay’s latest sales data, we’re breaking down the players turning hardwood heroics into big-money moves. Buckle up: this isn’t your dad’s rookie card boom.
1. LeBron James: The Blue-Chip Stock
Sales Surge: +$135K ($3.44M total, +4% growth)
Season Impact: Even at 39, LeBron remains the market’s safest bet. Averaging 25.6 PPG and 8.2 APG for the Lakers, his cards (+4% YTD) reflect his timeless value. Collectors aren’t just buying a player; they’re investing in a legacy.
2. Jared McCain: The Rookie Rocket
Sales Surge: +$90K ($0.35M total, +33% growth)
Season Impact: The Duke phenom (18.4 PPG, 44% from three) hasn’t even played an NBA minute, but his NCAA Tournament theatrics have speculators scrambling. His cards are a lottery ticket—cheaper than Wemby, riskier than LeBron.
3. Jayson Tatum: The Quiet Killer
Sales Surge: +$71K ($0.34M total, +26% growth)
Season Impact: Leading the Celtics to the NBA’s best record (64-18), Tatum’s MVP-caliber season (27.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG) is fueling demand. His cards are climbing like his signature step-back three: steady, smooth, inevitable.
4. Nikola Jokic: The Unconventional Unicorn
Sales Surge: +$66K ($0.43M total, +17% growth)
Season Impact: The Joker’s 26.4 PPG, 12.4 RPG, and 9.0 APG make him a walking triple-double—and his cards a niche darling. Investors love his durability; he’s missed just 19 games in five years.
5. Alperen Şengün: The Breakout Bet
Sales Surge: +$60K ($0.12M total, +89% growth)
Season Impact: Houston’s 21-year-old center (21.1 PPG, 9.3 RPG) is this year’s sleeper hit. His cards (+89% since January) scream upside, mirroring his trajectory from role player to franchise cornerstone.
6. Reed Sheppard: The College Cash Cow
Sales Surge: +$58K ($0.29M total, +25% growth)
Season Impact: Kentucky’s sharpshooter (52.1% from three) is this year’s NCAA flavor. His cards are a hedge for draft night—if he goes top-five, prices could double overnight.
7. A’ja Wilson: The WNBA Wave
Sales Surge: +$49K ($0.08M total, +156% growth)
Season Impact: The Aces’ two-time MVP (22.0 PPG, 9.5 RPG) isn’t just dominating the court; she’s pioneering WNBA card demand. Her 156% spike signals a market shift: women’s hoops is no longer a afterthought.
In today’s trading card arena, the smartest portfolios blend blue-chip legends like LeBron with high-ceiling bets like Şengün and Sheppard. Whether you’re chasing the stability of a 20-year MVP resume or gambling on the next face of the WNBA, one truth remains: the market’s hunger for active greatness shows no signs of cooling. So, draft your lineup like a GM—balance risk and reward, watch the stats, and remember: in the game of cardboard investing, the final buzzer hasn’t sounded. Your move. Craving more court-to-cardboard insights? Dive deeper into player trends, market breakdowns, and rookie watchlists in our dedicated Basketball Card Hub. From Luka’s latest surge to Caitlin Clark’s rising stock, we’ve got your scouting report covered.
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