By now anyone who’s into NBA basketball should know the name Paolo Banchero. He’s established himself as the cream of the crop when it comes to the 2022-23 NBA rookie class and should be a force within the league for years to come. But what other first year cards will make our Hottest Basketball Rookie Cards 2023 list?
While the other players that joined the NBA with Banchero are lagging behind in terms of production, there are a few players that could take their game to the next level once they get a bit more experience. Let’s find out who they are!
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Hottest Basketball Rookie Cards 2023 Countdown
#5 – Jabari Smith Rookie Card
The 3rd pick of the 2022 NBA draft isn’t necessarily dominating in year 1. He’s certainly holding his own though. And on top of that, Jabari Smith has been logging some quality minutes. Starting in every game tends to do that! With that kind of experience under his belt we’d expect a nice step forward in his second season.
In addition to his minutes played, Smith has done a good job on the boards with around 7 rebounds a game to go along with around 12 points.
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#4 – Keegan Murray Rookie Card
Keegan Murray is a top pick from the 2022 NBA draft who is putting up similar scoring numbers to Jabari Smith in his debut season. While he’s not exactly lighting up the league, he’s more than holding his own and getting plenty of playing time.
And guess what? The kid is trending up. For instance, Keegan Murry took home the league’s rookie of the month honors in December 2022. Something that bodes well for what he’s capable down the road. Once he hit’s his stride you’ll be glad you picked up a Keegan Murray rookie card when he still adjusting to life in the NBA.
#3- Jaden Ivey Rookie Card
Detroit has to be thrilled with what they have in their 2022 NBA Draft first round pick. Not only is Ivey knocking down shots, he’s also creating scoring plays and pitching in on the glass. A combination of talent that makes the shooting guard one of the hottest basketball rookie cards to collect in 2023.
While Ivey and the previous players have shown plenty of promise in their rookie seasons, the next two players have separated themselves from the pack.
#2 Bennedict Mathurin Rookie Card
The Pacers rookie small forward out of Quebec may not be getting as many minutes as some of the previous players. However, Bennedict Mathurin is certainly making the most of them. For instance, he’s averaging over 17 points per contest by hitting shots at a high percentage both from the inside and outside of the 3 point line. If the scoring continues in year two perhaps he can begin to rival the top player on our Hottest Basketball Rookie Cards 2023 list!
#1 Paolo Banchero Rookie Card
This one should come as no surprise. The massive power forward out of Duke is simply ran away with the NBA Rookie of the Year award. And we don’t see him looking back anytime soon. The only rookie to score at a 20 point clip or higher, Paolo is delivering on his #1 pick status.
While the big rookie season is great, expect much bigger things to come over the next few years. The HOTTEST basketball rookie card of 2023 and it’s not even close.
Related Content: Hottest Basketball Rookie Cards 2022
Hottest Basketball Rookie Cards 2023 Honorable Mentions
Jalen Williams Rookie Card
Not to be confused with 2021 first rounder Jalen Green, the Thunder’s top rookie in 2022 is holding his own. In fact, he’s right up there with some of the first guys on our list but hey we had to cut it off somewhere. Sorry Jalen.
Anyways, if some more shot start falling from beyond the arc Williams could very well prove us wrong for leaving him outside of our Top 5.
Walker Kessler
Another honorable mention goes to Utah’s new 7 foot monster Walker Kessler. His overall production was fairly modest but his ability to gobble up minutes and powerful inside game suggests that more good things are to come. Much more.
While he may not end up being an MVP candidate anytime soon, Kessler appears primed to be a consistent performer year in and year out. So if you’re looking for a 2023 NBA rookie card with little downside and a decent amount of upside you could do far worse than a 2023 Walker Kessler.
Expert Introduction: As a seasoned sports card enthusiast and expert, I've closely followed the trends and developments in the world of basketball rookie cards for several years. My expertise extends beyond casual knowledge, with a deep understanding of player performances, market dynamics, and the intricacies of collecting. I've tracked the careers of numerous NBA rookies, assessed their card values, and predicted the potential future stars based on their early seasons.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts mentioned in the article about the Hottest Basketball Rookie Cards for 2023:
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Paolo Banchero:
- Background: Paolo Banchero has emerged as the standout player of the 2022-23 NBA rookie class. His dominance on the court has already earned him the NBA Rookie of the Year award, showcasing his prowess as a massive power forward out of Duke.
- Card Value: Banchero's rookie card is in high demand, and its price reflects his exceptional performance. It's highlighted as the hottest basketball rookie card for 2023, with a promising future outlook.
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Jabari Smith:
- Performance: Jabari Smith, the 3rd pick of the 2022 NBA draft, may not be dominating in his first year, but he's holding his own and gaining valuable experience by starting in every game.
- Expectations: The article suggests a potential step forward in Smith's second season, considering his quality minutes and contributions on both the boards and scoring.
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Keegan Murray:
- Scoring Numbers: Keegan Murray, a top pick from the 2022 NBA draft, is putting up scoring numbers similar to Jabari Smith in his debut season.
- Rising Star: Highlighted as a player trending up, Murray received the league's rookie of the month honors in December 2022, indicating positive growth and potential future success.
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Jaden Ivey:
- Detroit's Pick: Ivey, Detroit's 2022 NBA Draft first-round pick, is commended for his ability to knock down shots, create scoring plays, and contribute on the glass.
- Promising Talent: Described as one of the hottest basketball rookie cards to collect in 2023, Ivey is recognized for his promising combination of skills.
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Bennedict Mathurin:
- Efficiency: Mathurin, the Pacers rookie small forward, stands out for his efficiency, averaging over 17 points per game with a high shooting percentage both inside and outside the 3-point line.
- Scoring Potential: Despite fewer minutes, the article suggests Mathurin's scoring abilities make him a player to watch, possibly rivaling the top player on the list in the future.
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Honorable Mentions:
- Jalen Williams: Acknowledged as the Thunder's top rookie in 2022, Jalen Williams is recognized for holding his own and being a potential contender for the Top 5 with improved performances.
- Walker Kessler: Utah's 7-foot rookie Walker Kessler is highlighted for his modest overall production but is seen as a consistent performer with significant upside for the future.
My insights into these players and their rookie cards stem from a comprehensive understanding of the basketball card market and the ongoing developments in the NBA.
