Mar10th

NBA Market Movements

By Cardcollectingrambler | Posted at 6:40 pm | Filed Under Cards, Cardcollectingrambler, NBA

Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, and other hot NBA cards

Guest post by Cardcollectingrambler from Break Open Another Box!

The Lakers have been red hot, and Kobe Bryant’s rookie cards have been achieving value levels not seen for a few years. His 96-97 Finest RC has been inching up since the beginning of the season, averaging a TAC of $15.66 in November, $16.59 in December, $17.03 in January and $22.11 in February. So far in March, we’re seeing it’s biggest jump yet, with an average TAC of $33.01 (with a high of $45). They’re saying that this year might be Kobe’s chance to finally win the MVP award. I guess collectors would agree, based on the current market. His 96-97 Topps Chrome RC is averaging $171.75 this month, up from $158.80 in February. His 96-97 E-X RC can be found in the $35-40 TAC range. Kobe is a lock for the HOF, and is the best all-around player in the game. He was a part of the last Lakers dynasty, winning 3 straight Championships from ‘00 through ‘02, and has a great chance to be a part of another one over the next few years.

The Celtics’ big three’s top rookie cards have been selling at near-season lows in March. Kevin Garnett’s 95-96 Finest RC is averaging $35.62, down from $39.04 last month, and way off of it’s high in November of $54.25. Ray Allen’s 96-97 Topps Chrome RC is averaging $10.07, down from $12.89 last month, and it’s season-high of $14.60 in January. Paul Pierce’s 98-99 SP Authentic RC #’d 3500 is averaging $22.25, down from $23.33 last month, and it’s season-high of $29.94 in January. Boston still has the best record in the league (4.5 games ahead of the #2 Pistons), and I expect all three of these stars’ cards to start to rise once again when the playoffs get underway (if not sooner). Now might be a good time to buy.

Leandro Barbosa has remained undervalued in the hobby for a while now. His cards got a little hot last season, but couldn’t sustain their value. Barbosa is probably the best 6th man in the West (and 2nd in the league, after the Bulls’ Ben Gordon). His 03-04 SPx Auto/Jsy RC #’d 1999 has been lingering in the $13-16 TAC range all season, after peaking out in 06-07 at around $25. His 03-04 Bowman Signature Auto/Jsy RC #’d 1250 can be found in the $9-12 TAC range. Both of these rookie cards, along with his 03-04 Exquisite Collection Auto/Patch RC #’d 250 (which averaged $184 last month), contain his extended signature (other base rookies have his “LB” or “LB #17″ sig). Look for Barbosa to give the Suns the added boost they’ll need to make a run for the playoffs, as we approach the final month of the season.

Utah’s Deron Williams & New Orleans’ Chris Paul have made a great showing this season, leading their respective teams to success. Williams is averaging 19.1 ppg & 10.3 apg, up from 16.2 ppg & 9.3 apg last season, and has improved his FG%, 3PT% & FT%. He’s led the Jazz’s rally from a record of 16-16 on 12/29, to their current 42-22, putting them in the fourth seed in the West. All of his key rookie cards are on the rise this month, with his 05-06 SP Authentic Auto RC #’d 1299 selling for around $48 ($42.50 last month), his 05-06 SPx Auto/Jsy RC #’d 750 for $74 ($61 last month), and his 05-06 Exquisite Collection Auto/Patch RC #’d 99 for $749 ($693 last month).

Paul is averaging 21.3 ppg & 11.0 apg, up from 17.3 ppg & 8.9 apg, and has also improved in all of his shooting %’s. His Hornets have been more consistent than the Jazz throughout the year, but have basically ended up in the same place, occupying the fifth seed. We’ve seen a big jump in value for his 05-06 SP Authentic Auto RC #’d 1299. It’s averaging $121.25 this month, up from $82.71 in February. His 05-06 SPx Auto/Jsy RC #’d 750 has actually gone down, averaging $116.67, down from $136.76. Expect to pay between $1000-1100 for his 05-06 Exquisite Collection Auto/Patch RC #’d 99.

Please check out my blog, Break Open Another Box!, for more of my ramblings!

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