As the NBA kicks off the 2025-2026 season, basketball aficionados and collectors alike are glued to their screens and their price guides, eagerly anticipating what the year might bring for their favorite stars and investments. While the season’s opener promises to be a spectacle with titanic matchups that pit basketball titans like LeBron James, Luka Dončić, and Stephen Curry against one another, it’s the lesser-sung, emerging players that have recently been shifting collectors’ attentions and altering market dynamics.
Every year, the landscape of the NBA and the accompanying card market undergo seismic shifts as players rise to stardom while others fade away. With the commencement of the new season, a carousel of players has already begun its rotation, bringing with it price changes that have collectors rifling through their stacks of cards, eagerly assessing which cards to hold, sell, or acquire.
One of the names catching eyes and inviting optimism is Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. Standing at an imposing 7 feet 3 inches, Wembanyama is no longer just a promising young star but one on the cusp of joining the league’s defensive elite. Saddling the chatter is his ambition for the Defensive Player of the Year title. After an injury-shortened previous season, he returns poised to command the court, a truth not lost on card collectors who have seen a noticeable uptick in the value of his cards. His role in the Spurs is as towering as his frame, making his cards a hot commodity.
Meanwhile, the Windy City’s own, Matas Buzelis, has managed to recalibrate expectations as well. Last season, he toiled part-time in a reserve role, but the closing chapters of the season saw him step into the Chicago Bulls’ starting five – and flourish. Averaging 13 points as a starter has not only inflated his game stats but has also inflated his card prices. His Panini Prizms cards have captured the imagination of investors banking on his continued ascendancy.
Out west, Bogdan Bogdanovic has navigated his midseason dance to Los Angeles with aplomb, energizing the Clippers with a consistent scoring punch. His seamless transition and contributions to initiating a playoff push have given his reputation, and card value, a significant boost as the season dawns. With a new-look team, Bogdanovic’s cards are commanding an increased premium.
Not to be overlooked in this tide of opportunity is Terrence Shannon Jr. in Minnesota. A sluggish start gave way to evidence of sufficient grit and game, ensuring Shannon’s firm footing within the Timberwolves. His surge in playing time and influence promises a larger role this season, and collectors are bullish on his career trajectory, providing a lift to his card presence.
However, where some players bask in the glow of emerging stardom, others find themselves stalled or slipping. Joel Embiid, as illustrious and talented as any, has been undercut by persisting issues of durability. His MVP glow has dulled slightly, tethered to the reality of recent surgeries and a conservative approach from the Philadelphia 76ers. Collectors seemingly share the organization’s cautious sentiment, tempering their enthusiasm and, consequently, the value of his cards.
Zach Edey, an early darling for the Memphis Grizzlies, has found himself temporarily sidetracked by an ankle injury that threatens to delay his return. The market, profound in its immediacy for results, has reflected this pause, as buyers opt to await his comeback before reigniting demand for his collectibles.
Sometimes, after a surprising inaugural season, the real test is consistency, a challenge faced by Jaylen Wells. Despite a strong finish as a rookie, collectors appear guarded this sophomore year, wary of the dreadful ‘sophomore slump.’ His trading prices have cooled amidst this cautionary climate.
Lastly, Baylor Scheierman, who has had a modest footprint in Boston, inevitably draws speculative hesitancy from card collectors who are waiting for more concrete proof of a persistent presence rather than short-lived flashes. His prices have edged down as a result, with many spectators anticipating if his role expands this season.
As we take stock of these fluctuations, one thing is achingly clear: the allure of the NBA stretches beyond the court, into a world where fandom and savvy investment often converge. Here, intuition, performance, and a sprinkle of good fortune fuel the ongoing narrative of who rises and who stumbles. This journey is what keeps collectors restless and ever-watchful, ready for the next big break or bust. It’s not just about the game; it’s the anticipation of what—and who—comes next, that truly captivates.
