NBA's Biggest Draft Busts Still Have Expensive Sports Cards?
In 1998, the Clippers had the #1 overall pick in the NBA Draft, with the chance to select Paul Pierce, Dirk Nowitzki, or Vince Carter. Instead, they chose Michael Olowokandi, a player who would average more than 10 points per game only twice in his career. So why did a Michael Olowokandi rookie card sell for just under $1,000 only a few months ago? The answer lies in the fact that sports card values depend on more than just player performance or popularity - they’re heavily impacted by the set the card belongs to.
The card that sold belonged to the Dunk 'N Go-Nuts insert set from 1998-99 E-X Century, a design closely resembling that of Dunkin' Donuts. This is important because, just two weeks after the set's release, Dunkin' Donuts sent a cease-and-desist letter, demanding an immediate halt to product distribution. As a result, the set was discontinued after its initial release, and continued to gain popularity as the years passed.
#hoodyshighend 3 saw a record sale set for this 1998 Skybox Century Dunk ‘N Go Nuts Kobe Bryant PSA 10
— Hoody's Collectibles Consignment (@collecthoodys) November 18, 2024
FINAL SALE PRICE: $8,100 pic.twitter.com/e06rPywl1t
The truth is, there are many examples of underachieving players' cards selling for respectable amounts of money. Just a year ago, one of Anthony Bennett's rookie cards sold for over $2,500. A 1-of-1 game-worn logoman rookie card from Giannis' rookie class, with an autograph and inscription, carries value - regardless of what Bennett ended up accomplishing.
So, the next time you try to predict who the next big superstar will be, consider a different approach - predicting the set, not the player. This way, even your card of the next Michael Olowokandi might amount to something.
Jason is a dedicated basketball card collector who recently transitioned into writing and educating others about the sports card industry. Find him on Instagram @jeancardz