The current world of card collecting is fixated on big hits and premium offerings. The high-end products get most of the attention and the most expensive cards get all the headlines. While it is good to have a portion of products geared to high-end collectors, the majority of collectors have a limited budget to spend on cards. With this in mind, we have compiled a list of the top budget rookie cards from basketball players who debuted in the first decade of the new millennium.
The early-2000's of basketball collecting, specifically 2000-01 products to 2009-10 products, marked a period of change that saw the focus switch from low and mid-end products to more mid and high-end products. This was abundantly clear with the release of the ultra premium product 2003-04 Exquisite Collection. However, this period of time also features the rookie years for many of the top current NBA stars.
While products like Exquisite Collection, Flawless and National Treasure will always have a special place in the Hobby, a card does not have to cost hundreds of dollars to be worth collecting. It also does not have to be a base card from NBA Hoops to be affordable. The following list features ten of the top budget-friendly rookie cards for star NBA players who began their careers in the 2000's. With the proper patience, raw versions of every card on the list can be found for less than $100 and most can be located for closer to $50.
If you looking for something a bit more high-end, view our list of the top Exquisite Collection basketball rookie cards here.
Top 2000s Basketball Rookie Cards on a Budget
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2003-04 Bowman Chrome LeBron James RC #123
With rookie card values for LeBron James going through the roof, collectors are not left with many great budget options. Bowman Chrome is one of those few quality options left for LeBron James collectors who cannot drop a mortgage payment on a card.
2003-04 Bowman Signature Edition Carmelo Anthony #77 Autographed Jersey #/1170
It might be a sticker autograph with a print run of 1,170, but it is still a signed Carmelo Anthony rookie card. As an added bonus, it even has a jersey piece. Not too shabby for a card that has been selling for less than most new boxes of cards.
2003-04 Finest Dwayne Wade RC #159 Autograph #/999
Again, a sticker autograph and higher print run make for an affordable card. The vibrant color scheme and unique look make the Finest rookie card for Dwyane Wade a great addition for a reasonable cost.
2004-05 SP Authentic Dwight Howard RC #186 Autograph #/999
Who says that you cannot get all the premium attributes of a high-end product without paying an arm and a leg? The Dwight Howard rookie card from 2004-05 SP Authentic showcases an appealing design, SP Authentic brand, and on-card signature. Values are held in check by the higher print run.
2005-06 SP Authentic Chris Paul RC #94 Autograph #/1299
Another SP Authentic option, 2005-06 saw a dramatic design change for this Chris Paul rookie card. Numbered to 1,299, a quality look and on-card signature make this an intriguing Chris Paul card.
2007-08 Topps Chrome Kevin Durant RC #131
Like LeBron James, Kevin Durant's play has resulted in a value surge for his rookie cards. Before the Topps basketball division was closed, Topps Chrome had established itself as one of the top base rookie card products in basketball. Collectors across multiple sports love Chrome, which explains why this Kevin Durant rookie card is in high demand.
2008-09 Topps Chrome Derrick Rose RC #181
Topps Chrome takes a low-end product and gives it a premium Chromium finish. It may not excite everyone, but the cards normally look good and maintain strong value. Derrick Rose has had trouble with injuries lately, but collectors are holding out hope that he can return at the same level he showed in his 2010-11 MVP season. Budget collectors should check out his 2008-09 Topps Chrome rookie card.
2008-09 SP Rookie Threads Kevin Love #98 Autographed Jersey #/399
As anticipation builds regarding the next landing spot for Kevin Love, collectors are finally starting to appreciate the double-double machine in Minnesota. Although the design is uncommon, with a sticker autograph over a jersey piece, the lower print run makes it an interesting autographed rookie option.
2009-10 Donruss Elite Blake Griffin RC #161 Autograph #/499
Blake Griffin has been a collector favorite since he was drafted first overall in 2009. Despite his popularity, it is still possible to find deals on Blake Griffin autographed rookie cards. One example is the 2009-10 Donruss Elite rookie card, numbered to 499. The design won't wow anyone, but the print run is decent, and it is an autographed Blake Griffin rookie card.
2009-10 Panini Court Kings Stephen Curry RC #128 Autograph #/649
Last, but not least, Stephen Curry has seen his card values explode in the last year. The NCAA tournament star from Davidson has developed a strong collector following, but many of his rookie cards can still be found at great bargain prices. With an art-like card design and mid-level print run, Panini Court Kings is a great option for budget collectors. Despite utilizing a sticker autogaph, the card design does a respectable job of integrating the sticker, and it is not very noticeable.
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