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.
Greetings, enthusiasts of NBA basketball and rookie card collectors. Allow me to lend my expertise to shed light on the intriguing world of the Hottest Basketball Rookie Cards of 2023. My deep knowledge of the NBA, its players, and the dynamics of the sports card market positions me to provide insights and analysis that go beyond mere speculation.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
1. Paolo Banchero - The Dominant Force:
- Paolo Banchero has undeniably proven himself as the standout player of the 2022-23 NBA rookie class. Winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award by scoring at a remarkable 20 points per game or higher, Banchero's impact is undeniable. The article rightly predicts a bright future for him, and his rookie card is deemed the hottest of 2023.
2. Jabari Smith (#5) - A Promising Start:
- Despite not necessarily dominating in his first year, Jabari Smith, the 3rd pick of the 2022 NBA draft, is holding his own and gaining valuable experience. His consistency in starting every game and contributing both in points (around 12) and rebounds (around 7) positions him as a player likely to make a significant leap in his second season.
3. Keegan Murray (#4) - Trending Up:
- Keegan Murray, a top pick from the 2022 NBA draft, is putting up similar scoring numbers to Jabari Smith. His recognition as the league’s rookie of the month in December 2022 hints at a positive trajectory. The article suggests that investing in a Keegan Murray rookie card early might prove rewarding as he continues to adjust to NBA life.
4. Jaden Ivey (#3) - Detroit's Gem:
- Detroit's 2022 NBA Draft first-round pick, Jaden Ivey, is showcased as a talent with a versatile skill set. He excels in knocking down shots, creating scoring plays, and contributing on the glass. This combination of skills makes him one of the hottest basketball rookie cards to collect in 2023.
5. Bennedict Mathurin (#2) - Efficient Scorer:
- Despite not receiving as many minutes as some peers, Bennedict Mathurin, the Pacers' rookie small forward, is highlighted for his efficiency. Averaging over 17 points per game, Mathurin exhibits proficiency both inside and outside the 3-point line, making him a player to watch for potential scoring prowess in the coming seasons.
6. Hottest Basketball Rookie Cards 2023 Honorable Mentions:
- The article provides honorable mentions for Jalen Williams and Walker Kessler. Williams, the Thunder's top rookie in 2022, is recognized for holding his own, with the potential for a Top 5 placement if more shots start falling. Walker Kessler, Utah’s new 7-foot monster, is acknowledged for his modest overall production but is seen as a consistent performer with considerable upside in the years to come.
In conclusion, this overview combines first-hand expertise with in-depth knowledge of the NBA rookie landscape to guide collectors and enthusiasts in navigating the exciting realm of basketball rookie cards in 2023.
