These NBA rookies hope to surprise fans, basketball card collectors

The 2024 NBA Draft took place in early July. Unfortunately for fans and collectors, at this juncture, it doesn't appear that there are any generational talents similar to Victor Wembanyama in this year's draft class. 

There's no next level hype surrounding a rookie quite like there was with Zion Williamson just a few short years ago, and this draft class doesn't come close to stacking up with the great 2023 class that included LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and others.

With that being said, collectors and fans alike know that that can change at the drop of a hat. A player can break through and become a star quicker than an Allen Iverson crossover.

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A player going unnoticed on draft night, and even well into their career, doesn't signal the end. Draft selections such as Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jovic are prime examples that a player can fly under the radar and eventually develop into one of the better players of the generation. That's part of what makes all of this so much fun.

For basketball fans and collectors, we eagerly await the first new card products featuring this year’s draft class. Prizm Draft and other products are on the way.

Here’s five rookies with the most potential, the most interesting stories, and the most upside for card collectors.

Regardless of the season, the No. 1 overall pick in any sport will naturally have high expectations and bright lights shining on them from the jump. The 19-year-old Frenchman has a knockdown jumper and is more of a catch-and-shoot scorer.

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The lanky prospect has solid defensive skills with the potential for growth. On the downside, he averages less than one assist per game, so playmaking and creating his own shot will be big goals early on.

The collecting market for a non-playmaker with a catch-and-shoot jumper isn't exactly at the top of the want list. But with some growth in playmaking, he could be a collectible prospect in Atlanta.

France was 2-for-2 at the top of the NBA Draft this year as the Wizards selected the 7-foot Sarr. The product of a basketball family, Sarr has played all around the world and most recently in the Overtime Elite league in the United States.

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Known primarily for his defensive presence and rim protection, Sarr averaged less than 10 points per game last year for the Perth Wildcats. With his outstanding athleticism and defensive presence, he could be one of the better defenders in the league. And if he develops an offensive game, he could draw comparisons to a more athletic Rudy Gobert. Right now, consider him more in the Evan Mobley class.

Collectability wise, you can draw your own conclusions there.

The Houston Rockets chose the University of Kentucky prodigy with the No. 3 pick in the draft. Quite possibly the most polished player in the draft, the SEC Freshman of the Year shot over 50 percent from behind the arc and wowed with his athleticism at both ends of the floor.

Sheppard could be a solid starter right out of the gate and with his potential for nightly ESPN highlights and viral videos, his collectability could be at the top of the class.

The Chicago Bulls took Lithuanian-American Matas Buzelis with the 11th overall pick. His game has taken him all around the country during his teenage years. A 5-star recruit, Buzelis decided to go pro and played with the G League Ignite.

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The 6-10 prospect has a nice touch, an outstanding handle, a feathery floater, and the ability to finish strong at the rim with outstanding defensive abilities across the board. He has been compared to Franz Wagner in the near future and Chet Holmgren at his max potential. His collectability could be solid if he reaches the more lofty expectations.

There is absolutely no doubt who has received the most attention in this year's draft class. It would be none other than LeBron James' son Bronny. Whether because of nepotism, natural ability or NBA readiness, the Lakers drafted James Junior 55th overall.

Bronny’s stats at Southern Cal were very pedestrian when he averaged 4.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2 assist per game. An athletic 6-2 guard, he's a bit of a tweener as he's not a true point guard and his shooting percentages don’t stack up with elite shooters in the league. James Junior was compared to D'Anthony Melton in in a scouting report. Do with that information what you will.

Because of his father, he's one of the most collectible players in the draft, but that could quickly change if he spends more time in the G League than the NBA. At the very least, his story is constant content for ESPN and online outlets for the time being.

With few other elite prospects, this could be one of the more lackluster drafts in recent memory, or we could have a player or two surprise us and become a star on the court and collectible hobby. Only time will tell.

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