As the NBA Conference Finals ignite the basketball world with thrilling matchups, a quieter, yet equally electrifying battle unfolds within the confines of card collections and hobby shops. With only four teams remaining in the playoff picture—the Oklahoma City Thunder, Minnesota Timberwolves, Indiana Pacers, and New York Knicks—the spotlight is not only on their franchise players but also on those players’ iconic sports card inserts: Kaboom, Downtown, and Color Blast.
Let’s take a look at how the cards for each of these team stars are performing in this electrifying playoff race.
**Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander**
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, affectionately known as SGA, is not merely dribbling his way into the playoffs; he’s dribbling straight into card collectors’ hearts and wallets. His journey from being a promising youngster to an influential hobby asset has been exhilarating for collectors. Particularly, his 2023 One and One Downtown card is a hot topic. The card’s market value has risen like a perfectly shot three-pointer, up 7.4% over the last month. Its last raw sale recorded a substantial $2,500, climbing from early May’s low of $1,950. Meanwhile, the PSA 10 graded version saw a dip by 20%, selling for $3,700, still reflecting a robust interest.
SGA’s 2023 Obsidian Black Color Blast is equally enchanting. The raw version garnered an impressive 22% leap, landing at $850. As for the PSA 10? It went for $1,170, indicating a potential ‘buy-low’ opportunity if OKC keeps its playoff dreams alive.
**Minnesota Timberwolves: Anthony Edwards**
Meanwhile, in Minnesota, Anthony Edwards—often dubbed ‘Ant-Man’ for his quickness—is swiftly climbing up the NBA ranks and his cards are not far behind. It’s as if card investors are treating his 2020 Crown Royale Rookie Kaboom card like a treasure map, with the ‘X marks the spot’ pointing to a significant investment. Back in March, a raw card sold for $2,950. The PSA 10 version saw a modest increase of 2.5%, going for a handsome $8,923 in early May.
Anthony’s 2020 One of One Rookie Downtown cards are even more of a spectacle, with the PSA 10 version shooting up an astounding 33%, landing at a jaw-dropping $13,000. For Edwards, consistent playoff stardom is the golden ticket for his cards’ enduring value.
**Indiana Pacers: Tyrese Haliburton**
Tyrese Haliburton, leading the charge for the Indiana Pacers, is not just stirring the pot on the court; he’s brewing up a storm in the collector’s market. His leadership is not only elevating his team, but it’s also making his 2020 One and One Rookie Downtown card a prized possession. The recent raw valuation had its last sale at $1,500 in March, while the PSA 10 version has surged by 40%, going for $4,000. Quite the uptick, which might just be the prelude to greater heights should the Pacers secure a place in the Finals.
And let’s not forget the 2023 Spectra Color Blast card. It’s eye-candy and an even greater investment, with raw sales at $830 and PSA 10 versions notching up $1,463. For Haliburton aficionados, this could be the time to strike.
**New York Knicks: Jalen Brunson**
Lastly, Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks is a story of contrasts, much like his team’s journey. As underdogs reigning supreme in the conference finals, Brunson and his cards have captured attention like a plot twist in a blockbuster movie. His 2023 One and One Downtown card mirrors this, with the raw card market surprisingly dropping 14% over the last month, hitting $1,100 in May. In a counterintuitive twist, the PSA 10 cards soared 35%, with the latest sale locking in $2,425.
Collectors sensing Brunson’s potential story of triumph might consider snapping up raw copies now. Send them for grading and join the thrilling ride through the playoffs. If the Knicks pull off the unthinkable and dominate the finals, holding this card could be akin to holding a piece of golden lore.
In the epic narrative of these NBA Conference Finals, it’s a tale of athletic magic and hobby shop grandeur. For the true enthusiasts with an eye on both the court and the card market, this playoff season offers more than just exciting games. It’s a chance to quite literally hold history in their hands—or more precisely, in their carefully protected card cases.
