Steve Dalton

A steady dose of Olympic exposure and an appearance by Slovenia in the Bronze Medal game has energized the Luka Doncic card market. More specifically, many of his popular, high population count graded RCs, falling in value for months, are back on the upswing, while the market for his second- and third-year issues remains solid. As 2020-21 basketball product continues to roll out, here are three recent Doncic releases of note: 1. 2020-21 Panini Impeccable #28 Luka Doncic ($50-$120) Released in mid-June, Impeccable is one of the first hobby-only, premium products of the year. The base cards are serial numbered […]

While much collectors’ focus leans toward shinier, higher profile basketball products such as Prizm, Optic, and Select, two big-time LeBron James inserts have emerged this season from the entry-level 2019-20 Hoops Basketball: 1. 2019-20 Hoops High Voltage LeBron James #2 ($60-$150) This one has been a steady riser due to a combination of appealing design and hobby-only availability. Early sales were consistent in the $20 range, but market activity from the past few months has pushed the value i…

The Eastern Conference Finals features a faceoff between two of the hottest players in all of hobby-dom. While Giannis Antetokounmpo card prices have been skyrocketing for some time now, Kawhi Leonard values have shot up just recently. They have been propelled by stellar playoff performances highlighted by his last-second, series-clinching shot against Philadelphia. Here are some notable Leonard card sales from the past few weeks: 1. 2012-13 Panini Prizm #209 Kawhi Leonard RC – $90 Analysis of Prizm RC movement has become the gold standard method in determining player hotness. With raw sales approaching $100 and 9.5 gems nearing $200, […]

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo is widely considered the frontrunner for this season’s NBA MVP award. He also may be the current hobby MVP as his ever-increasing popularity in the basketball card market is mirroring his on-the-court success. Simply put, his card prices can’t be stopped at the moment. Here are three recent sales for consideration: 1. 2013-14 Panini Prizm #290 Giannis Antetokounmpo RC – $300 With $300-plus raw sales currently commonplace in the market, Antetokounmpo’s most popular Rookie Card is the basketball card equivalent of a freight train. At this time last year, the Bucks were sitting at home […]

One of the most anticipated products of the year, 2018-19 Panini National Treasures Basketball dropped on April 26, returning with a bevy of Rookie Patch Autographs, veteran signatures, and memorabilia cards. Hobby boxes contain ten cards, including eight autograph and/or memorabilia cards, one printing plate, and a base card or parallel. Here are three interesting sales from the market activity thus far: 2018-19 Panini National Treasures #127 Luka Doncic JSY AU RC /99 – $12,000 Collectors have…

Here are three ket recent sales that show how 1997-98 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems cards are still rising in value.

Trae Young’s current hot streak has suddenly propelled him into Rookie of the Year consideration. Over the course of the first 11 games since the All-Star break, the Atlanta point guard averaged 25.7 points, 8.9 assists, and 4.6 rebounds per game. Among the performances was the first triple-double by a rookie in Hawks history. As Young continues to excel on the court, his cards are seeing increased interest from collectors. Here are three notable Trae Young cards on the rise: 1. 2018-19 Panini Contenders Trae Young Autograph RC #142 Contenders sets are known for the Rookie Ticket Autographs. Their on-card […]

The historic hot streak of James Harden carries on. Over the course of 14 games in January, Harden averaged 43.6 points, the highest scoring average for a month since Wilt Chamberlain posted 45.8 points per game in March, 1963. As Harden continues to excel on the court, his cards are seeing increased interest from collectors. Here are three notable James Harden card sales from the month of January: 1. 2009-10 Playoff National Treasures James Harden RC Auto Patch #203 /99 BGS 9.5 – $11,000 The “B…

The 2004-05 Fleer Showcase Hot Hands set is yet another early-to-mid 2000s insert set experiencing price increases almost across the board. Sporting a shiny, flame-shaped design (an improved look from the previous year), 2004-05 Hot Hands cards were seeded in hobby packs at a rate of 1:192 and 1:480 retail. The 15-card set features an impressive checklist consisting of stars such as Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, Vince Carter, and Tim Duncan. The 2004-05 Fleer Showcase Hot Hands LeBron James, a…

The LA Clippers are exceeding expectations as they sit among the top teams in the Western Conference – here are three players collectors should keep an eye on: 1. Tobias Harris Charles Barkley recently declared Harris the most underrated player in the NBA. Though not particularly flashy, his well-rounded game is effective. The 6′ 9″ small forward/power forward currently leads the Clippers in scoring and rebounding while averaging career highs in each of these categories. Harris did turn down an $80-million extension from the Clippers last summer, making his future with the team somewhat uncertain. However, LA can still offer […]