NBA Rookies on the Move

Below are some rookies that are selling at higher price levels so far in January versus December. The first price is the Dec average, and the second reflects the latest sales prices through the first 4 days of Jan.

• 96-97 Topps Chrome Kobe - $109.46 -> $131.83
• 98-99 SPA Paul Pierce #'d 3500 - $29 -> $36
• 98-99 SPx Finite Paul Pierce #'d 2500 - $7.62 -> $15
• 01-02 SPA Joe Johnson Auto #'d 1525 - $11.31 -> $14.93
  
• 04-05 SPA Dwight Howard Auto #'d 999 - $160.51 -> $170.50
• 05-06 SPx Andrew Bynum A/J #'d 1499 - $42.02 -> $60.65
• 05-06 SPA Chris Paul Auto #'d 1299 - $57.73 -> $64.75

Keep an eye on Kendrick Perkins' rookies. He's now the starting center on the hottest team in the NBA. Although he's playing a supporting role to the big 3 stars on the team, it's allowing him to gain the attention of the hobby as a result. His 03-04 SPx Auto/Jsy RC #'d 1999 was selling for less than $5 TAC a year ago. It's averaging $11.11 this past week. Tony Allen is also set to rise in value.

A couple of the rookies that are selling at lower price levels are:

• 02-03 SPx Amare Stoudemire A/J #'d 1999 - $48.85 -> $40.28
• 03-04 SPx Carmelo Anthony A/J #'d 750 - $127.45 -> $113

Now is probably be a good time to pick up Gilbert Arenas rookies. Arenas hasn't played since 11/16, and his hobby standing has fallen significantly. It also didn't help that he ran off his mouth at the beginning of the season, and couldn't back it up. Sellers are holding off listing his key Auto rookies on auction, but you can probably find some good deals on his non-Auto Ultimate Collection RC #'d 750 & SPx RC #'d 1999, which were selling in the $50-70 & $30-50 ranges respectively last season.