RANKING THE G.O.A.T'S ROOKIE BASKETBALL CARD EDITION
- Doug Karlberg-Erlien
- Apr 21
- 4 min read
No we're talking! When I thought about content for In The Cards, looking at all-time greats to find out how expensive their cards were and then bank that against how much those same cards move was my first order of business. Basketball is my jam so I was over the top geeked out to dive into the data.
Like football, this isn't meant to be a debate on who is on this list, nor is it a ranking which is completely subjective. We are simply presenting the facts. So here we go! With help from our friends at SportsCardsPro.com her are our ten G.O.A.Ts in no particular order.
One of THE holy grail cards in the game, Michael Jordan's 1986 Fleer is iconic. The highest investment from a raw price of just under $4,000 although finding a raw version is like locating big foot or the loch Ness monster. Plenty of options exist for graded cards which is the play to hold. Be ready for the long play on this card, although many of those who own one keep it tight. It is after all greatness and iconic.
Grade | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Comp | $272,050 | $25,429 | $12,183 |
Pop | 333 | 3,063 | 9,275 |
Sales (Since 1/1) | 1 | 30+ | 30+ |
There are a couple of rookie options for LBJ. I chose this based on the raw price and liquidity. You can scoop it for $1200 and several have with more than 30 sales since January 1. Raw to grade flips are attainable as you can score an 8 or higher and make money. If you are looking for already graded cards, there are just under 10,000 cards graded 8 or better all of which have sold more than 30 times each grade since January 1.
Grade | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Comp | $9,500 | $2,435 | $1,521 |
Pop | 2,454 | 4,820 | 2,391 |
Sales (Since 1/1) | 30+ | 30+ | 30+ |
There isn't a hotter in the hobby is Kobe Bryant and his 96-97 Topps rookie card. You want affordability and liquidity? Here is your play served up on a silver platter. Scoop raw cards for $100 or less, send them to PSA to grade and scoop chips! There are over 40,000 Mamba rookies graded 8 or higher so the gem rates in this card are really good! Smart raw to grade flips play!
Grade | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Comp | $1,544 | $216 | $115 |
Pop | 5,406 | 22,866 | 13,303 |
Sales (Since 1/1) | 30+ | 30+ (April) | 30+ |
Our first vintage play of the G.O.A.Ts. Alcindor's rookie card is affordable and sellable. You'll need to adjust your strategy from a grade perspective as few true gems exist. Live in the middle grade ground if you can. You won't be underwater on this card unless you are looking at a two or less in a raw to grade play.
Grade | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Comp | $68,399 | $56,999 | $11,932 |
Pop | 2 | 18 | 170 |
Sales (Since 1/1) | 0 | 1 | 3 |
I'll be honest, this is one of my chase cards. I can't wait to navigate this play. Comps are around $550 raw on average but it'll go well North if it is not cut. To get two G.O.A.Ts in one card is epic AND add Dr. J and this card IS my childhood! Finding this card all in one piece is THE key.
Grade | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Comp | $38,700 | $16,230 | $3,077 |
Pop | 24 | 622 | 3,131 |
Sales (1/1) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Back to vintage and that mentality. You'll make money investing in this card already graded. You may have to hold for a bit, but that's likely your play anyway. If you are looking raw-to-grade, be patient as these don't surface often (30 times total since January, 2024) including twice in April for over $2,000 each.
Grade | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Comp | $344,410 | $165,004 | $37,283 |
Pop | 3 | 33 | 185 |
Sales (Since 1/1) | 0 | 0 | 0 |
In doing this research, there has been no more perplexing all-time great than Tim Duncan. Playing in the same era as Kobe, their card landscape could not be any different. If you are looking for a Duncan rookie, you can get one as there are plenty of listings on eBay. Comps average $36.00 raw but you'll want to be careful with raw-to-grade as you don't have a ton of margin if you can't get the card at a decent price.
Grade | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Comp | $365 | $69 | $41 |
Pop | 2,480 | 5,101 | 1,023 |
Sales (Since 1/1) | 30+ | 30+ | 9 |
Again, a strategy shift here. Not a ton of raw Russell cards available raw purchases are probably the play. It has been interesting to see the difference between modern and vintage and how strategy needs to change. It makes sense why collectors typically don't change over and stay in one lane. If you can find a Russell rookie, be prepared to open up your wallet.
Grade | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Comp | $517,194 | $352,275 | $320,250 |
Pop | 0 | 3 | 48 |
Sales (Since 1/1) | 0 | 0 | 2 |
No doubt Steph changed the game. His "always in range" style has elevated him to G.O.A.T status. His rookie card has followed suit. Raw cards are going for $950 and are extremely liquid! Anything above a PSA 6 in that grade and you're likely making money.
Grade | 10 | 9 | 8 |
Comp | $12,686 | $3,257 | $1,850 |
Pop | 371 | 1588 | 1998 |
Sales (Since 1/1) | 7 | 30+ | 30+ |
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