As the NBA Conference Finals heat up, collectors across the hobby world are keeping a close eye on more than just Victor Wembanyama and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
While the two superstars remain the biggest names driving the basketball card market, several other players still competing in the postseason are rapidly gaining momentum among collectors — and some could see their card values explode with one deep playoff run.
Here are five Conference Finals players whose cards are attracting serious attention right now.
Jalen Brunson Is Becoming a New York Collecting Icon
The New York Knicks star has already experienced one of the biggest card market rises of the last few years.
Brunson’s 2018 Panini Prizm Silver rookie card once sold for under $50 during his early years with the Dallas Mavericks. But after transforming into the face of the Knicks franchise, high-grade versions of that same card are now worth several hundred dollars — and in some cases far more.
Collectors believe another playoff breakthrough could push his market even higher, especially if New York reaches its first NBA Finals since 1999 or captures its first championship since 1973.
Donovan Mitchell Could Be the Playoff Sleeper for Collectors
Despite being a seven-time All-Star, Donovan Mitchell has often flown under the radar in the card market compared to other NBA stars.
The Cleveland Cavaliers guard saw major card value spikes around 2021, though prices later cooled off. Now, many collectors believe his market could rebound thanks to another elite postseason run.
Mitchell’s 2017-18 rookie cards remain relatively affordable compared to other stars at his level, making him one of the more intriguing value targets remaining in the playoffs.
Dylan Harper Is Quietly Building Momentum
San Antonio rookie Dylan Harper continues to gain traction among collectors thanks to his growing role with the San Antonio Spurs.
With Topps returning to NBA cards for the first time in years, Harper has benefited from increased rookie-card attention. However, many collectors remain focused on bigger rookie names like Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel, potentially making Harper one of the more overlooked long-term investments.
Playing alongside Wembanyama only adds to his future upside if the Spurs continue developing into a Western Conference powerhouse.
Stephon Castle Cards Are Already Exploding in Value
After winning NBA Rookie of the Year in 2024-25, Castle has quickly become one of the hobby’s hottest young names.
Collectors are buying heavily into his future next to Wembanyama, and recent sales reflect the growing excitement. A 2024-25 Panini Prizm Silver card that sold for around $355 in December has reportedly been moving for more than $700 since April.
Castle’s athletic highlights, playoff performances, and rapidly improving all-around game have helped push him into one of the fastest-rising card markets among young NBA stars.
Jalen Williams Is Becoming a Postseason Collector Favorite
The playoffs often create new hobby stars — and that may be exactly what’s happening with Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Williams has consistently elevated his game on the postseason stage, including averaging 23.6 points per game during last year’s NBA Finals run that helped Oklahoma City win the championship.
Now, collectors are beginning to treat him like one of the NBA’s emerging elite young stars.
Earlier this year, a rare 2022-23 Panini Prizm Gold /10 PSA 10 card sold for nearly $33,000 — one of the most expensive sales of Williams’ career so far.
As his playoff performances continue to grow, many believe his market may still be climbing.
With young stars exploding onto the postseason stage and collector demand rising across the league, the 2026 NBA playoffs may end up creating the hobby’s next generation of mega-value cards.
