The Top 10 Rookies to Collect in the NBA Right Now

It has been about a month since the release of Topps Chrome Basketball, and we are almost halfway through the NBA regular season. The market has finally stabilized from the traditional launch week hype, that chaotic period where FOMO drives prices to the moon as collectors race to be the first to own the newest shiny cardboard.

Now that the dust has settled, we have a clearer picture of value. We’re using the insights from Yahoo Sports contributor Steve Jones and his most recent NBA Rookie Rankings to break down exactly who is performing on the court, and then looking at their card prices to see who is worth the investment.

With a month of sales data to act on, here are the top 10 rookies to collect right now and where their Topps Chrome Base Auto prices stand.

1. Cooper Flagg, Dallas Mavericks

What can you say about Flagg that hasn’t already been said? The 19-year-old phenom has lived up to every ounce of expectation.

Yahoo Sports contributor Steve Jones wrote in his most recent NBA Rookie Rankings:“Flagg leads the Mavericks in total points, rebounds, assists and steals, and he is the only rookie to be in the the top 3 in those same categories. His game continues to grow, but what stands out most is his consistent confidence in his ability to attack night in and night out.”

Flagg’s card prices are staggering. His Base Auto was selling for around $2,200 on release. It has since settled and stabilized around ~$1,500. For those priced out of the auto market, his Rookie Refractor is currently selling for ~$200 raw.

2. Kon Knueppel, Charlotte Hornets

There was a moment earlier this season where it looked like Kon might be the runaway Rookie of the Year. In any other class, he might have it in the bag. He is playing that well.

Yahoo Sports contributor Steve Jones wrote in his most recent NBA Rookie Rankings: “There are only three players in the NBA who have made 130 or more 3s so far. Donovan Mitchell (133), Stephen Curry (132) and Knueppel (130). Speaking of Curry, Knueppel has already broken Curry’s rookie record for the most games with 20-plus points on 50/40/90 shooting splits (12).”

Kon’s Rookie Base Auto from Topps Chrome is currently selling for ~$300, which feels like a bargain considering the historic shooting numbers he’s putting up.

3. VJ Edgecombe, Philadelphia 76ers

VJ Edgecombe burst onto the scene scoring 34 points, grabbing 7 rebounds, and dishing out 3 assists while shooting 13-of-26 from the field in his first game. But more impressive than the box score is how quickly he has gelled with his teammates and remained a massive contributor.

Yahoo Sports contributor Steve Jones wrote in his most recent NBA Rookie Rankings:“Philadelphia is 8-2 this season when Edgecombe scores 20 or more points and 7-1 when both Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey score 20 or more. His shotmaking returning has helped, but he’s also shown increased comfort and connection with Joel Embiid and Paul George as they have returned to form. Keep an eye on Edgecombe’s growth in pick-and-rolls with Embiid and how the Sixers will use him as a screener for Maxey to open up even more space to attack.”

VJ is an interesting case for collectors because he does not have any rookie autos in Topps Chrome (he is a Panini exclusive athlete). However, there is ink out there if you hunt for it. His 2024 Panini Prizm Draft Picks Auto is currently selling for around ~$300, while his 2025-26 Panini Instant Auto is commanding closer to ~$600. Or you could grab my personal favorite Topps Chrome Insert, the Ultraviolet for around $750. 

4. Cedric Coward, Memphis Grizzlies

It is fair to say at this point that Cedric Coward was an absolute steal at the 11th spot for Memphis.

Yahoo Sports contributor Steve Jones wrote in his most recent NBA Rookie Rankings: “Sometimes in life it comes down to finding a way to contribute and be effective even when you’re not fully at your best. The 3-point shooting dipped once again, going from 30.7% in November (23 of 75) to 27.7% in December (13 of 47). Would you believe me if I told you he shot 50.8% from the field even with that 3-point shooting? (Spoiler alert: He did.)”

For collectors looking for value, this is it. His Base Topps Chrome Auto sells for a much more reasonable ~$50 at the moment, with his Refractor Rookie Auto sitting around ~$200.

5. Derik Queen, New Orleans Pelicans

Queen’s ability to move the ball is elite. He currently leads all rookies in assists and has been a bright spot for a Pelicans team struggling through a rough season.

Yahoo Sports contributor Steve Jones wrote in his most recent NBA Rookie Rankings:“The Pelicans have mixed in more inverted pick-and-roll, having a guard screen for Queen as he brings the ball up. It’s not so much the speed that you feel on his drives, but the craft: the ball-handling to navigate tight quarters, the ability to take space if there is a gap, the nifty and nimble footwork that serves as a prelude to a shoulder in your chest or a spin move to get you off-balance. Defensively, his primary effort tends to be OK, but it’s the second effort that leaves an area for opportunity.”

Queen’s Topps Chrome Rookie Base Auto currently sells for ~$80, a significant dip from the ~$275 price tag we saw on release day, making this a potential buy-low window.

6. Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs

It is unbelievable how lucky the Spurs have been with their draft lottery luck. From Wemby to Castle and now Harper, they have built an incredible young core that has made them one of the most exciting watches in the league.

Yahoo Sports contributor Steve Jones wrote in his most recent NBA Rookie Rankings:“The drives from Harper remain a constant; according to the NBA’s tracking data, he was up to 10.5 drives per game in the month of December while delivering on the Spurs’ three-guard attack. The production around those drives is what has taken a hit as 40 of his 58 made field goals in December came in the restricted area, while he shot 18 of 73 from all other zones.”

Despite having autos all over the product, his Base Topps Chrome Auto is a redemption card. While other insert autos are selling for $150–$200, the redemption for his Base Auto is selling consistently for around ~$400.

7. Jeremiah Fears, New Orleans Pelicans

Another bright spot for a Pelicans fanbase struggling to find something to cheer for. Fears has brought consistent scoring to the table for most of the season, though he is clearly hitting a bit of a rookie wall.

Yahoo Sports contributor Steve Jones wrote in his most recent NBA Rookie Rankings:“The hallmark of Fears’ rookie campaign had been a (somewhat) surprising string of consistency, but a 21-game streak of scoring 10+ points has turned into single-digit scoring in seven of his last 15 games. It’s nothing new for a rookie as teams work to adjust, but it can feel different optically when scoring is what brings you to the dance.”

Fears does not have any autos in Topps Chrome, but his 2025 Panini Instant Draft Night Rookie Auto sells for ~$300.

8. Egor Dёmin, Brooklyn Nets

Egor can shoot. That is great news for the Nets, who used their highest 1st round draft pick out of 4 (8th overall) to grab him.

Yahoo Sports contributor Steve Jones wrote in his most recent NBA Rookie Rankings: “Dёmin has the second-most made 3-pointers (72) by a rookie this season, and the most through 30 games in Nets franchise history. He is shooting 41.1% from 3 over his past 15 games and has made three or more 3s in five of his last seven games. That has added more confidence to his offensive attack. Teams will still look to pressure him and be physical, but there is not a ton of hesitation to let it fly when given space.”

This is another strong value play: Egor’s Topps Chrome Rookie Base Auto currently sells for just ~$50.

9. Maxime Raynaud, Sacramento Kings

Maxime had a fantastic December that could transform him from sleeper prospect to legitimate rookie staple if he can keep those numbers up in January.

Yahoo Sports contributor Steve Jones wrote in his most recent NBA Rookie Rankings:“In the month of December, Raynaud averaged 15.5 points (fourth-best among rookies), made 80 field goals (tied for second) and averaged 9.3 rebounds per game (first among rookies) with three offensive rebounds per game (first among rookies). He’s at his best in pick-and-roll when he works to get set, make solid contact and stay in the ball-handler’s vision for a pocket pass.”

Currently, his Topps Chrome Rookie Base Auto is selling for an affordable ~$35.

10. Caleb Love, Portland Trail Blazers

Love was an incredibly strategic pickup by the Blazers after going undrafted. He is currently on a two-way contract with Portland and their G-League affiliate, the Rip City Remix, fighting for a permanent roster spot.

Yahoo Sports contributor Steve Jones wrote in his most recent NBA Rookie Rankings:“Love provides energy and effort, always ready to pressure the ball full court and willing to fly around defensively. There’s also a poise and composure in the way he works to change speeds with the ball in is hands. The Blazers are 9-4 when Love plays more than 25 minutes this season.”

He doesn’t have any Topps Chrome rookie autos yet, but with his recent success, you can expect him to start popping up in Topps products soon. For now, his Bowman Chrome University Autos can be found for $10–$20 and could be a great stash if he continues to earn minutes.

What other rookies are you collecting? Let us know on Mantel.