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Kawhi Leonard is arguably one of the most talented players in the NBA.
Not only does he have the talent, but he also has a strong frame and good size for a wing player, with the ability to make his teammates better.
There’s also no doubt that the “Claw” is one of the most popular NBA players in history.
Kawhi Leonard rookie cards are low-risk, high-reward cards. Many of these base cards are quite affordable and easy to get. But you also have some premium options if you prefer to collect high-value items.
Let’s go over some of the best Kawhi Leonard rookie cards.
Top Kawhi Leonard Rookie Cards
Let’s start with the most common base rookie cards, and then move on to rarer and more premium options.
Feel free to scroll down if you’re looking for high-ticket cards.
2012 Panini Prizm Kawhi Leonard RC #209
This is the most affordable and most easily available Kawhi Leonard rookie card. If you’re starting and want to own a Kawhi Leonard rookie card, here’s your chance.
If you’ve been collecting newer and more recent Panini Prizm rookie cards, then you might be a bit surprised to find that the Panini Prizm Kawhi Leonard card only had a few parallels: Green, Gold, and Prizms.
Now, the parallels can be quite rare and hard to find, but they’re also quite pricey. You might find a listing for one of these parallels that will cost you a five-figure amount.
The base card, on the other hand, is much more easily available. You’ll find many listings for this card and at affordable prices, so that would be a good option for you to start with if you’re on a budget.
Find the Card on eBay
2012-13 Panini Prizm KAWHI LEONARD #209 BGS 9.5 (10 Centering) RC Gem Mint
$375.00 Buy It Now for only: $375.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Panini Prizm KAWHI LEONARD #209 BGS 9.5 RC Rookie Gem Mint
$375.00 Buy It Now for only: $375.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Kawhi Leonard Panini Prizm Silver Prizms Refractor RC #209 BGS 10 Pop 6
$20,000.00 Buy It Now for only: $20,000.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Panini Prizm #209 Kawhi Leonard RC Rookie BGS 9 MINT Year one prizm
$179.99 Buy It Now for only: $179.99 Buy it Now |
64874443 KAWHI LEONARD 2012 Panini Prizm 209 RC Rookie PSA 9 MINT
$51.00 (8 bids) End Date: Thursday Jun-23-2022 21:21:02 EDT Bid |
2012-13 Panini Prizm #209 Kawhi Leonard Spurs RC Rookie BGS 10 PRISTINE
$301.00 (14 bids) End Date: Monday Jun-27-2022 23:59:58 EDT Bid |
2012 Panini Totally Certified Kawhi Leonard RC #11
The Totally Certified rookie cards are not as widespread as the Prizm cards, and they’re also a bit more difficult to obtain.
However, if you like the look of this card and you’re tight on a budget, it could also be a great option.
Prices for this card are quite reasonable. It’s not as costly as the Prizm cards, but there are also some parallels that you need to be aware of: Red, Blue, Gold, Green, and Black (1).
While some of these parallels might be a bit more expensive than the base card, they will provide you with a bit more variety and choice, especially if you’d like to have something a bit different.
If you’re a big fan of Kawhi Leonard and don’t want to break the bank, then this is a good option for you to start with.
Find the Card on eBay
2012-13 Panini Totally Certified #11 Kawhi Leonard RC Blue Rookie /299
$95.00 Buy It Now for only: $95.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Panini Totally Certified Kawhi Leonard Rookie Card RC #11 LA Clippers🔥
$65.00 Buy It Now for only: $65.00 Buy it Now |
2012 Panini Totally Certified #11 Kawhi Leonard Red Rookie Rc /499 PSA 8 Mint
$80.00 Buy It Now for only: $80.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Panini Totally Certified #11 Kawhi Leonard RC Rookie SGC 9.5 MINT +
$75.00 Buy It Now for only: $75.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Totally Certified Red /499 Kawhi Leonard #11 PSA 9 MINT Rookie RC
$120.00 Buy It Now for only: $120.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Panini Totally Certified #11 Kawhi Leonard Red Rookie Rc Clippers /499
$65.00 Buy It Now for only: $65.00 Buy it Now |
2012 Panini Absolute Kawhi Leonard Auto RC #200
Next up is the Panini Absolute Kawhi Leonard rookie card with an autograph.
This might be one of the best options if you like to have an autographed card, but you still don’t want to spend over the odds to get a card of your choice.
Even though there were only 399 of these cards produced and it includes an autograph, it is not as expensive as some premium cards we’ll see later on.
You might be able to get this one for a sensible price, but make sure you check the quality and the authenticity of the autograph if you choose a raw option.
Find the Card on eBay
2012 Panini Absolute Kawhi Leonard Auto BCCG 9 Spurs Rookie Card Clippers Rare
$500.00 Buy It Now for only: $500.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Panini Absolute #200 Kawhi Leonard RC ROOKIE AUTO 157/399
$56.00 (9 bids) End Date: Tuesday Jun-21-2022 09:31:50 EDT Bid |
KAWHI LEONARD ROOKIE AUTO /399 RC 2012-13 Panini Absolute Basketball PHX
$450.00 Buy It Now for only: $450.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Kawhi Leonard Panini Absolute Rookie AUTO RC /399 HGA 8.5 Spurs Raptors
$395.00 Buy It Now for only: $395.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Kawhi Leonard Rookie Auto 17/399 🔥 Panini Absolute Basketball RC Spurs
$420.75 Buy It Now for only: $420.75 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Panini Absolute Kawhi Leonard Auto /399 SGC 8 - 10 Auto
$600.00 Buy It Now for only: $600.00 Buy it Now |
2012 Panini Elite Kawhi Leonard RC #215
The Panini Elite base cards are not very hard to find and also come in a variety of different parallels and inserts. Aspirations, Status Gold, Status, and Status Black are your parallel options when it comes to this card.
Panini Elite has been one of the most preferred rookie card options for collectors for many years.
In the past, Elite cards have actually been more colorful and they often included live-action shots with the court or crowd in the background. While this 2012 Kawhi Leonard card doesn’t follow the same recipe, it’s still a beautiful base card to own.
One of the best things about this brand, in my opinion, is its easy availability and beginner-friendliness. So if you fall into that category and you don’t want to overspend, the Panini Elite Kawhi Leonard rookie card is certainly an option to consider.
Find the Card on eBay
2012-13 Panini Elite Kawhi Leonard /599 RC #215 - PSA 9 MINT Rookie
$149.95 Buy It Now for only: $149.95 Buy it Now |
2012 Panini Elite #215 Kawhi Leonard RC Rookie Spurs CSG 9.5 MINT+ New Case
$99.99 Buy It Now for only: $99.99 Buy it Now |
2012 Panini Elite #215 Kawhi Leonard Elite Rookie RC /599 PSA 8 SP RARE
$70.00 Buy It Now for only: $70.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Kawhi Leonard Rookie Panini Elite #/599 #215 PSA 10 GEM MINT RC Spurs
$499.99 Buy It Now for only: $499.99 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Panini Elite Rookie #215 Kawhi Leonard Rc Spurs Clippers /599
$70.00 Buy It Now for only: $70.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Panini Elite Rookie #215 Kawhi Leonard RC Spurs Clippers /599 SSP
$59.99 Buy It Now for only: $59.99 Buy it Now |
2012 Limited Kawhi Leonard RC Auto #174
Now, this Limited card of Kawhi Leonard from 2012 is a bit special.
It doesn’t follow the “norms” when it comes to rookie cards. It’s a die-cut acetate card, so it’s quite a bit different from the rest of the Kawhi Leonard rookie card.
This out-of-the-box nature of the card will definitely attract some attention from those who want something a little bit different and unique.
On the other hand, if you’re a traditionalist, you might want to skip this one entirely.
A big plus is the on-card autograph, which gives that card that extra bit of oomph and personality.
Despite the unusual nature, this card can be bought for relatively cheap, especially considering the prices of some other Kawhi Leonard rookies. It’s not the cheapest card, though.
Find the Card on eBay
2012 Panini Limited KAWHI LEONARD #174 Rookie Autograph Die Cut SP /349 RC Auto
$349.99 Buy It Now for only: $349.99 Buy it Now |
2012/13 Panini Limited 174 Kawhi Leonard RC Rookie Auto 122/349 BGS 9.5/10
$1,299.99 Buy It Now for only: $1,299.99 Buy it Now |
2012/13 Panini Limited 174 Kawhi Leonard RC Rookie Auto Limited To 349 BGS 9/10
$399.00 End Date: Wednesday Jun-22-2022 19:03:01 EDT Buy It Now for only: $399.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Limited /349 Kawhi Leonard #174 Rookie Auto RC
$423.60 Buy It Now for only: $423.60 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Limited /349 Kawhi Leonard #174 PSA 9 MINT Rookie Auto RC
$1,076.10 Buy It Now for only: $1,076.10 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Limited KAWHI LEONARD Rookie RC Auto Autograph Die Cut Acetate 291/349
$549.99 Buy It Now for only: $549.99 Buy it Now |
2012 Panini Contenders Kawhi Leonard RC Auto #263
This card is a bit more expensive than the previous cards, but its design is also quite different.
While it’s not as fun and polarizing as the die-cut acetate version, it still manages to stand out and capture people’s attention.
Panini Contenders cards have always stuck out for their premium and elegant style, but also because of their rarity and their autographs. While it might not be a true premium card, it is definitely a mid-level card, and the prices move up accordingly.
It is one of the most beautiful cards that you can own, but you’ll have to spend thousands of dollars to get one.
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2012-13 Panini Contenders Kawhi Leonard ROOKIE Jersey Auto /149 RC
$165.00 End Date: Sunday Jun-26-2022 15:09:21 EDT Buy It Now for only: $165.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Panini Contenders Kawhi Leonard #43 Auto RPA Rookie /149 Autograph
$540.00 Buy It Now for only: $540.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Panini Contenders Kawhi Leonard #263 Rookie Auto
$900.00 Buy It Now for only: $900.00 Buy it Now |
2012 Panini Contenders Kawhi Leonard ROOKIE RC AUTO #263 PSA 10 GEM MINT PMJS
$4,999.99 Buy It Now for only: $4,999.99 Buy it Now |
2012 Panini Contenders #43 Kawhi Leonard Rookie Patch Auto /149 BGS 9.
$1,127.99 Buy It Now for only: $1,127.99 Buy it Now |
2012 PANINI CONTENDERS KAWHI LEONARD ROOKIE Auto PSA 10
$3,000.00 Buy It Now for only: $3,000.00 Buy it Now |
2012 Panini Threads Kawhi Leonard Auto RC #163
Next up is the Panini Threads Kawhi Leonard rookie card. This card is known for its autograph but also for its unique design.
The background of this card looks like a tactic board with the basketball field in the center. Then there’s the portrait of the player in front, and of course, the so coveted autograph below the image.
These cards are a bit rarer than some of the cards we’ve had so far, which means that they can be quite a bit more expensive. On top of that, the autographs tend to fade away with time, so finding a PSA 10 might be a challenge.
Find the Card on eBay
Kawhi Leonard 2012-13 Panini Threads Jersey Die-Cut Autograph Rookie Card
$400.00 Buy It Now for only: $400.00 Buy it Now |
Kawhi Leonard 2012-13 Panini Threads Jersey Die-Cut Autograph Auto Rookie RC
$400.00 Buy It Now for only: $400.00 Buy it Now |
KAWHI LEONARD 2012 PANINI THREADS ROOKIE AUTO AUTOGRAPH RC CARD!
$350.00 Buy It Now for only: $350.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Panini Threads Jersey Die-Cut #4 Kawhi Leonard RC Spurs Clippers
$29.99 Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Panini Threads Rookie Team Threads Die-Cut Kawhi Leonard #4 Rookie#P2776
$19.99 Buy It Now for only: $19.99 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Panini Threads Rookie Team #4 Kawhi Leonard Spurs RC PSA 10 GEM MINT
$125.00 Buy It Now for only: $125.00 Buy it Now |
2012 Panini Select Kawhi Leonard RC #178, #250
With the Panini Select brand of rookie cards for Kawhi Leonard, you’ll have two main options:
1. #178, which contains the player’s autograph
2. #250, which contains both the player’s autograph and a jersey patch
Both of these can be quite popular, but the #178 card is a bit rarer and thus a bit more expensive. There are only 199 copies of the #178 card, while the #250 card has 249 copies to its name.
No matter which option you prefer, Panini Select is a great option when it comes to Kawhi Leonard rookie cards. In recent years, this brand is a bit more budget-minded but in 2012, it was seen as a more premium card.
Find the Cards on eBay
2012 Panini Select Hot Rookies #34 Kawhi Leonard BGS 9.5 **READ DAMAGED SLAB**
$199.99 Buy It Now for only: $199.99 Buy it Now |
2012 Panini Select Kawhi Leonard Jersey Auto Prizm Rookie PSA 10 Auto 10 /199
$4,450.00 Buy It Now for only: $4,450.00 Buy it Now |
2012 kawhi Leonard Panini RC PSA 9 Rookie & 2019 Select Scope Prizm BGS 9.5 💎🏀
$100.00 Buy It Now for only: $100.00 Buy it Now |
Kawhi Leonard 2012-13 Panini Select Rookie Patch Auto /249 BGS 9.5/10
$1,099.00 Buy It Now for only: $1,099.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Panini Select Hot Rookies Kawhi Leonard Rc
$70.00 Buy It Now for only: $70.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Panini Select - Kawhi Leonard RC - Hot Rookies #34 Red SP PSA 9 Mint
$129.99 Buy It Now for only: $129.99 Buy it Now |
2012 Panini Preferred Kawhi Leonard RC #319, #401, #501
Panini Preferred rookie cards from 2012 of Kawhi Leonard are some of the most varied rookie cards you’ll find of this player.
You have three main choices: #319, which has 99 copies, #401, which has 99 copies, and #501, which also has 99 copies.
#401 is basically the Crown Royale version, while the other two are also two more premium options that you can choose from.
Find the Cards on eBay
2012 Panini Select Hot Rookies #34 Kawhi Leonard BGS 9.5 **READ DAMAGED SLAB**
$199.99 Buy It Now for only: $199.99 Buy it Now |
2012 Panini Select Kawhi Leonard Jersey Auto Prizm Rookie PSA 10 Auto 10 /199
$4,450.00 Buy It Now for only: $4,450.00 Buy it Now |
2012 kawhi Leonard Panini RC PSA 9 Rookie & 2019 Select Scope Prizm BGS 9.5 💎🏀
$100.00 Buy It Now for only: $100.00 Buy it Now |
Kawhi Leonard 2012-13 Panini Select Rookie Patch Auto /249 BGS 9.5/10
$1,099.00 Buy It Now for only: $1,099.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Panini Select Hot Rookies Kawhi Leonard Rc
$70.00 Buy It Now for only: $70.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Panini Select - Kawhi Leonard RC - Hot Rookies #34 Red SP PSA 9 Mint
$129.99 Buy It Now for only: $129.99 Buy it Now |
2012 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Kawhi Leonard RC #65
If you’re looking for something elegant and something that will not stand out as a colorful card, then you’ll like the look of this Upper Deck card.
The beauty of this card is in its elegance. It also has an autograph, which makes it one of the most coveted premium cards out there.
Find the Card on eBay
2011-2012 Upper Deck SP Authentic - Kawhi Leonard Rookie Card #27 Spurs Clippers
$14.99 Buy It Now for only: $14.99 Buy it Now |
2012 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions Kawhi Leonard Rookie Rc #120 Raptors Clippers
$3.49 Buy It Now for only: $3.49 Buy it Now |
2012 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions Minis Foil Kawhi Leonard #120 Rookie RC
$0.99 End Date: Thursday Jun-23-2022 23:55:22 EDT Buy It Now for only: $0.99 Buy it Now |
2012 Goodwin Champions Minis Green Lady Luck Back Kawhi Leonard #120 Rookie RC
$0.99 End Date: Wednesday Jun-22-2022 23:58:43 EDT Buy It Now for only: $0.99 Buy it Now |
2012 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions Mini Foil Kawhi Leonard #120 Rookie RC.
$29.99 Buy It Now for only: $29.99 Buy it Now |
2012 Upper Deck Goodwin Champions Rookie Kawhi Leonard Card Graded MVP All Star
$12.99 End Date: Wednesday Jun-22-2022 23:12:31 EDT Buy It Now for only: $12.99 Buy it Now |
2012 Immaculate Collection Kawhi Leonard Jersey Auto RC #112
With this Immaculate Collection card, we’re well and truly in the premium card category.
It is one of the most expensive cards of Kawhi Leonard, and for good reason.
This brand has always been one of the more premium choices. It has an on-card auto and a jersey patch, and it’s also limited to 99 cards, so it’s always going to be one of the most expensive cards on the market.
Find the Card on eBay
2012-13 Panini Immaculate KAWHI LEONARD #77/99 Rookie Patch Auto BGS 8/10!
$4,995.00 Buy It Now for only: $4,995.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Immaculate Collection Basketball Quads #14 Kawhi Leonard RC JERSEY 22/50
$250.00 Buy It Now for only: $250.00 Buy it Now |
2012-13 Immaculate Collection Rookie Kawhi Leonard /99 3 CLR Auto Patch BGS 8.5
$5,240.21 Buy It Now for only: $5,240.21 Buy it Now |
2012 Kawhi Leonard Immaculate Rookie Patch Auto BGs 9.5 Gem Mint
$9,500.00 Buy It Now for only: $9,500.00 Buy it Now |
2012 13 Immaculate Collection Kawhi Leonard Auto RC Patch PSA 7NM /100 POP 1!!!
$4,999.00 Buy It Now for only: $4,999.00 Buy it Now |
KAWHI LEONARD Barnes Faried 2012 Immaculate Triple Rookie Jerseys 55/99 Clippers
$99.75 Buy It Now for only: $99.75 Buy it Now |
2012 Panini Flawless Kawhi Leonard Auto RC #11
The Panini Flawless Kawhi Leonard rookie card is one of the rarest cards out there. It is limited to only 25 copies, so it’s a bit harder to find.
It has that typical Flawless look that most collectors that love this brand will like. It’s elegant and it has an autograph, which of course, only raises the value of this card.
2012 Panini National Treasures Auto Patch RC #114
And of course, I’ve saved the best for the last – the National Treasures card.
This card is often the most expensive option when it comes to rookie cards. You can see why – it has an autograph, a jersey patch, and a limited print run (this time a print run of 199).
All in all, this is the most expensive Kawhi Leonard rookie card and it’s going to cost you a five-figure amount in the best possible conditions.