Just as the dust settled over the shimmering hardwood courts and die-hard fans took to their favorite armchairs, the 2025-26 NBA season has thrown open its doors with a glamorous doubleheader—as though it were a blockbuster film premiere packed with glitzy stars. The Oklahoma City Thunder, still basking in victorious glory, stand ready to defend their championship against the Houston Rockets. But the Rockets have a new ace up their sleeves: the indomitable Kevin Durant. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Lakers, led by the legendary LeBron James alongside Luka Dončić, are set to clash against Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors. It’s a feast fit for sports connoisseurs and collectors alike.

However, amid the spotlight on these high-profile gladiators, a different kind of buzz is rustling through the collector’s realm. Like the jazz ensemble complementing the main performance, certain players have begun to orchestrate a stirring symphony of market moves since September 21. Let’s dive into this symphony and uncover the risers and fallers in the stock of NBA player cards as the basketball world spins into action.

First on our list is the young lion poised to play the piano acrimoniously: Victor Wembanyama. This towering 7-foot-3 Spurs star is back, reinvigorated and ambitious after a challenging second year marked by health hiccups. His resurgence is drawing whispers of a potential Defensive Player of the Year accolade from the reverent corners of the NBA punditry. Since he has a penchant for precision like a metronome, collectors are riding this optimism with a trusty enthusiasm akin to an orchestra following its conductor, ticking his cards upwards.

Next, we waltz over to Chicago, where Matas Buzelis has been working a different kind of magic. Almost like Cinderella discovering a glass slipper, his late-season promotion to the starting lineup last year transformed his role and expectations overnight. Now, he’s the newfound darling of collectors’ eyes, who are hopeful that Buzelis will build on a solid second season. A leap from benchwarmer to shining star has nudged his card prices slightly up the crescendo scale.

Down in the City of Angels, Bogdan Bogdanovic provided the Clippers a much-needed piccolo-like burst of offense right when the team needed it most. Thanks to his accurate score-setting, Bogdanovic’s collector’s stash has seen an uptick in value as the anticipation for opening week climaxes, akin to a thrilling symphonic overture that leaves people wanting more.

Meanwhile, over in Minnesota, the Triton trumpeted loudly for Terrence Shannon Jr. After a slow entrance, Shannon played like a maestro, proving he could carry the tune. The market has taken notice. September’s closing notes showed collectors prepared to waltz right in and invest in Shannon’s ascension into a more expanded role.

Still, in the dance of bulls and bears, some cards have yet seen a retreat, offering a lyrical pause for collectors seeking a bargain.

Take Joel Embiid. Two years ago, this Philly giant was king of the hill, hoisting the MVP title with seasoned grace. Yet, a series of ailments has limited his court run akin to a violinist plagued with tone-inhibiting calluses. Recovering from knee surgery, the Sixers are taking tentative steps with Embiid, leading collectors to tap the brakes gently on their enthusiasm. His prices have cooled, hoping for a future encore of sustained health.

Similarly, after a promising rookie year with Memphis, Zach Edey’s momentum encountered a roadblock with a pesky ankle injury. This setback has put the breaks on his start to the season, causing a dip in his card values as buyers navigate the delay like a ship waiting for the winds to change.

Jaylen Wells, who danced into regular minutes despite being a second-round pick, finds himself at the sophomore crossroads—a notoriously tricky position. While his first year was strong, the market’s subtle hints of concern over regression have caused recent price adjustments as if collectors are holding their breath in anticipation.

Lastly, we lean into the story of Baylor Scheierman. This Boston balancer played but a minor role, delivering a late-season swansong with brief starting performances and playoff cameos. However, collectors remain cautious, perhaps waiting for a more prolonged sonata. His rookie cards have drifted to softer notes, like leaves cascading gently to the earth, awaiting future proof of stardom.

As the NBA season spins to life, these market moves offer more than just a dance of data—they reflect a rhythm of hope, expectation, and caution, each note resonating through the collector’s landscape as the hardwood opera carries on.

NBA Whats Hot in Trading Cards