Most iconic rookie cards for every NBA team wraps up!
The Black Mamba kicks off our last and final segment of iconic rookie cards.
Los Angeles Lakers
If the iconic card of the 1980s is the 1986–87 Fleer Michael Jordan rookie card, then the 1996–97 Topps Chrome Kobe Bryant rookie card tops the list for the 1990s. On May 17, a PSA 10 edition went up for auction on eBay and sold for $9,100. Only 833 of the 6,135 submissions to PSA have received a PSA 10 grade.
San Antonio Spurs
Rookies were typically not featured in sets until after they made their debut, however David Robinson was an exception and was part of the 1989–1990 Hoops set. His rookie card, however, was already in place when the 1989–90 set was issued because he was really recruited in 1987 rather than serving a two–year military obligation. Even though it only sells for a few bucks now days due to mass manufacture, it was the height of the basketball card market at the time and continues to be a classic from the 1980s. Apologies, Tim Duncan.
New Orleans Pelicans
Chris Paul, one of the best point guards in NBA history, started his career with the Hornets but is currently leading the offense for the Phoenix Suns. In 2005–2006 items, he is the featured rookie, and his Topps Chrome rookie card is still incredibly cheap.
Dallas Mavericks
Luka Doncic or Dirk Nowitzki? Doncic rookie cards may be the best long-term investment available right now, but until he wins a championship for Dallas, it will be difficult to place him ahead of Nowitzki in terms of iconic status. The 1998-99 SP Authentic set has Nowitzki’s top rookie card, which has a print run of 3,500 copies.
Sacramento Kings
Before becoming the Sacramento Kings, they were known as the Cincinnati Royals, and “Big O” Oscar Robertson spent the most of his Hall of Fame career playing for them. There are also rookie cards for Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, and Elgin Baylor in the 1961–1962 Fleer series. Peja Stojakovic has 11 distinct rookie cards in 1998–1999 items if you’re seeking for a real Kings player.
Oklahoma City Thunder
Are the Seattle SuperSonics considered a part of OKC history? Kevin Durant feels like a reasonable historical stretch because he played for both teams. One of the most iconic cards from the 2000s is his 2007-2008 Topps rookie, which has a broad variety of parallels.
Houston Rockets
Few No. 1 picks have much of an impact on a club immediately. For the Rockets’ selection of Hakeem Olajuwon in the first round of the 1984 draft, they nabbed a star. He played with Houston for 17 seasons, averaging 22.5 points, 11.4 rebounds, and 3.2 blocks per game while winning two NBA championships.
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