In the world of sports cards, the palpable excitement surrounding the NBA Conference Finals is unmistakable. With basketball enthusiasts and card collectors alike glued to the action, there is an electric buzz in the air. Iconic inserts such as Kaboom, Downtown, and Color Blast have become the epicenter of this enthusiasm. All eyes are fixated on the remaining teams—the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and New York Knicks—as these franchises battle it out for a coveted spot in the Finals. Skilled players are not the only ones with skin in this game; collectors are watching their favorite players’ card markets with an eagle eye.
The Oklahoma City Thunder sits at the forefront of this collectibles saga, with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shining bright. Once a promising guard, SGA has now ascended to become a true juggernaut in the card-collecting world. As the Thunder rallies deeper into the playoffs, Gilgeous-Alexander’s cards are trending notably, reflecting his blazing momentum on the court. His 2023 One and One Downtown card, a favorite among hobbyists, is the perfect manifestation of this trend. In a mere 30 days, the card has experienced a 7.4% increase, now selling for $2,500, a significant jump from the early May lows of $1,950. Moreover, while the PSA 10 graded version has seen a 20% dip over the month, fetching $3,700 on May 15, many alert collectors see this as an opportunity to buy low, especially if OKC keeps pushing forward in the playoffs. Additionally, SGA’s 2023 Obsidian Black Color Blast continues to see impressive upward movement with raw sales rising by 22% with the last sale at $850, and PSA 10 prices reaching $1,170. This marks a classic buy-low window in PSA 10 for eager collectors hoping OKC’s remarkable run persists.
Turning our gaze to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Anthony “Ant-Man” Edwards is making waves. A rising star, he has become one of the league’s most recognized personalities. Should his team secure a Finals berth, Edwards’ card prices stand poised for a meteoric rise. His 2020 Crown Royale Rookie Kaboom! commands attention, with recent raw sales hitting $2,950 as of March 1. The PSA 10 graded version saw a 2.5% uptick, culminating in a whopping $8,923 sale on May 7. Edwards’ iconic 2020 One of One Rookie Downtown card is another coveted centerpiece, with new raw sales at $5,800 while PSA 10 value catapulted by 33% to a staggering $13,000. With Edwards riding a consistent wave of playoff production, his rare inserts are not mere collectibles—they are fantastic long-term investments.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers contributes to the narrative with captivating leadership qualities recruiting more than just fans but collectors too. His influence on the Pacers’ ascent is astonishing, and his market reflects this impact clearly. The 2020 One and One Rookie Downtown is more than a card; it’s a statement piece. Selling raw at $1,500 recently as of March 10, its PSA 10 counterpart climbed by a considerable 40%, reaching a substantial $4,000 on May 8. Meanwhile, the 2023 Spectra Color Blast is catching eyes with a price of $830 for raw and its PSA 10 selling at $1,463. Unlike others, Haliburton’s cards stand on the brink of new heights, especially if Indiana manages to secure a spot in the Finals.
Last but certainly not least, Jalen Brunson from the New York Knicks emerges as another intriguing figure. His team’s underdog march to the Conference Finals has been nothing short of thrilling, with Brunson leading the charge. His 2023 One and One Downtown is a reflection not just of fierce play but of current market contradictions. Over the past month, raw prices dipped by 14% to $1,100 as of May 5, while intriguingly, the PSA 10 graded cards experienced a 35% leap, selling for $2,425. For astute hobbyists, the strategy might be simple and savvy: snatch up a raw copy, send it off for grading, and patiently await the results—the Knicks could very well upend expectations, leaving collectors holding proverbial gold.
This alliance of passionate players and fervent collectors is forging a tantalizing tale within the sports card market. As the Conference Finals unfold, fans and hobbyists alike find themselves swept up in a tempest of action both on the court and off. With every basket and each card sale, the stakes climb higher, promising both thrilling resolutions and sparkling opportunities for those savvy enough to seize them. All eyes remain fixed on the game’s pulse—the NBA stars whose cards tell stories of past wins, present glory, and the bright potential for future legends.
