NBA cards are some of the most highly sought-after sports memorabilia and could be worth millions of dollars to buy a single one.
What will add to its rarity is if it’s owned by a famous personality who is a basketball lover himself.
And since there is no shortage of possibility in this world, we happened to find such famous personalities that not only show their love for the game but also own trading cards of their favorite players, further increasing their value.
So, here goes the list of Top 5 NBA trading cards owned by celebrities.
1. 1986-87 Fleer Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls Rookie Card
Owned By: Drake
In a surprising turn of events, Ken Goldin of Goldin Auctions delighted his followers by inviting Drake for an impromptu Instagram Live session. The highlight of the live stream was Drake trying his hand at opening one of the most iconic trading card sets of all time, the NBA 1986-87 Fleer.
The excitement reached new heights when Drake managed to pull out the highly coveted 1986-87 Fleer #57 Michael Jordan Chicago Bulls rookie card.
Drake also revealed he owns a Jordan rookie card himself, valued between $50,000 and $70,000. The thrill of the card-breaking session, coupled with Drake’s humorous remarks about hiding his valuable card, made it an unforgettable moment for viewers.
2. LeBron James 2003 SP Signature Edition RC Inscription The King Auto
Owned By: LeBron James
Check card on eBay
It should be no surprise that some of the NBA players like to own their own trading cards. After all, it is a great investment looking at the returns people are making out of it. A particularly memorable example of this was highlighted during an interview with LeBron James, which quickly gained popularity.
During an interview, LeBron James was asked about the astounding bids people made for his rookie basketball cards, with one fetching $1.8 million and another reaching $900,000. The interviewer highlighted LeBron’s humble beginnings and inquired about his feelings regarding the high valuations of his cards while still being an active player.
LeBron responded with genuine humility, expressing that he finds it “pretty cool” and reflective of his journey from modest origins. He noted that such high figures were unheard of in his upbringing.
LeBron humorously added—he owns two of his own rookie cards, ensuring that he will be well-off for a very long time, regardless of what happens in the future.
3. 1986 Fleer #57 Michael Jordan PSA 10 Gem Mint
Owned By: Steve Aoki
Steve Aoki, the world-famous DJ, turned his Covid-time hobby of card collecting into a full-blown obsession, investing over a million dollars in high-value trading cards.
Not just limited to baseball, Aoki’s collection spans across basketball and football cards as well.
One of his prized possessions was a PSA 10 Michael Jordan rookie card, which he managed to sell for over $300,000.
His passion for collecting trading cards can be seen clearly as he partnered with Topps, a well-known trading card company, to create a series of unique cards featuring him. The collaboration resulted in the 2020 Topps x Steve Aoki Baseball set, which included autographed relics and various colorful parallels inspired by Aoki’s concert trademark of throwing cakes into the crowd.
Aoki’s passion for collecting trading cards highlights the growing interest in collecting sports memorabilia among celebrities and shows how significant these items can be, both financially and sentimentally.
4. 1997-98 Skybox Metal Universe “Precious Metal Gems” (PMG) Emerald #104 Ray Allen (#009/100)
Owned By: Ray Allen
Ray Allen, one of the OGs of the game, is widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history. He played 18 seasons in the NBA, primarily with the Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle SuperSonics, Boston Celtics, and Miami Heat.
He retired from the NBA on November 1, 2016, transitioning into movies which added to its popularity and kept him relevant amongst his fans.
As for his passion for trading cards, Ray Allen has been an avid collector for years. He finds joy in collecting and trading cards, especially those related to basketball and his own career. Allen’s collection includes rare and valuable cards, and he often shares his passion with fans and fellow collectors.
One of his most prized possessions is the 1997-98 Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems Emerald card, which features him soaring for a layup in his Milwaukee Bucks jersey.
5. Scottie Barnes 2021-22 National Treasures Rookie Patch Auto Gold
Owned By: Scottie Barnes
Scottie Barnes, the Toronto Raptors’ young star, recently gave a shoutout to Backyard Breaks, a popular platform for live-selling high-end sports cards and memorabilia.
This has fans buzzing with speculation that he might be collecting his own trading cards, just like other big names in the NBA, such as LeBron James.
With the value and rarity of these cards making them a smart investment, it wouldn’t be surprising if Barnes is securing pieces of his own legacy, especially his rookie cards. While there’s no solid proof of which cards he might own, many believe he’s joining the trend of athletes investing in their own memorabilia.
Conclusion
The world of NBA trading cards has captivated not just avid collectors but also famous personalities from various fields. From Drake’s exhilarating pull of a Michael Jordan rookie card to Steve Aoki’s multimillion-dollar collection, these celebrities have shown that trading cards are more than just a hobby—they are a blend of investment, nostalgia, and passion. Do you know of any such other celebrity?
