Victor Wembanyama is a 7-foot-4 French basketball player who has been called the top prospect in pro basketball since LeBron James. He is expected to be the surefire No. 1 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft. Recently, his first investable card hit the market and it’s a classic brand. This article will cover who Victor Wembanyama is, what his Rookie Card is, why it’s highly sought after, and some things to watch out for when buying modern cards.
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Who is Victor Wembanyama?
Victor Wembanyama was born on January 18, 2004, in France. He began his basketball career in 2019, when he signed with Nanterre 92 of the LNB Pro A. He made his debut for the team on November 9, 2019, in a game against Le Mans Sarthe Basket, where he scored 8 points, grabbed 2 rebounds, and blocked 2 shots in just 9 minutes of playing time.
Wembanyama is a rare talent on the basketball court. He stands at an incredible 7-foot-4, making him one of the tallest players in the world. But he’s not just tall, he’s also incredibly skilled. He has the ability to shoot from beyond the arc, handle the ball, and play strong defense. In fact, in his US debut last year against the NBA’s G League Ignite team, he scored 37 points and blocked 5 shots.
What is Victor Wembanyama’s Rookie Card?
January/February 2023 SI For Kids
Victor Wembanyama’s Rookie Card is featured in the middle card on the top row of the sheet of cards that gets inserted with every issue of Sports Illustrated Kids. This card is only available in the January/February 2023 edition of the magazine. Prior to this magazine hitting the market, Wembanyama’s image and likeness had only been produced by a few non-recognizable, sketchy manufacturers and sold for a handful of dollars on eBay.
This card is highly sought after by collectors due to Wembanyama’s potential as a top prospect in the NBA. Regardless of how he performs on the court, there’s already enough hype around him being potentially the top prospect the league has ever seen. There’s no doubt that Wembanyama will dominate the headlines in June and July as he comes to the US, gets drafted No. 1 overall, and likely dominates the NBA Summer League in a way that nobody has ever seen before.
The Sports Illustrated for Kids brand is iconic, and this SI for Kids card could become iconic, like that of Tiger Woods, Mia Hamm, Lebron James, Tony Hawk, Maradona and Michael Jordan cards. These cards can be seen as a solid long-term investment or long-term hold.
Why is Wembanyama’s Rookie Card Highly Sought After?
Wembanyama’s Rookie Card is highly sought after for a number of reasons. First, it’s his first official NBA card. As mentioned earlier, his image and likeness had only been produced by a few non-recognizable, sketchy manufacturers and sold for a handful of dollars on eBay prior to the release of this card. This makes the SI for Kids card the only officially licensed Wembanyama card available, making it desirable regardless of price, print run, or graded population.
Second, Wembanyama is a rare talent on the basketball court. He has the potential to be one of the greatest players the NBA has ever seen. This makes his Rookie Card a must-have for collectors who are looking to invest in the future of the sport.
Third, the Sports Illustrated for Kids brand is iconic. Many collectors grew up reading Sports Illustrated for Kids and have fond memories of the magazine. This makes the Wembanyama Rookie Card even more desirable, as it brings back those childhood memories.
Finally, the limited availability of the card makes it even more sought after. The only way to obtain the card is to be a subscriber to Sports Illustrated Kids, find it on a newsstand, or buy it on a secondary market like eBay or Amazon. This scarcity drives up demand for the card, which in turn drives up its value.
Watch Out For Custom Cards
When buying modern cards, it’s important to watch out for custom cards. Some people make custom cards and sell them as legit cards. These custom cards may feature a player who hasn’t signed with a card company, or they may feature a unique design. Some people even create their own “grading company” and grade their own cards.
The problem with custom cards is that they often sell for a high price, even though they are not officially licensed by the card companies. Collectors who buy these custom cards may think they are getting a good deal, only to find out later that the cards are not worth what they paid for them.
To avoid this problem, stick to the brands you know when buying modern cards, such as Topps, Panini, or Upper Deck. These companies have been around for decades and have a reputation for producing high-quality cards.
Final Thoughts
Victor Wembanyama’s Rookie Card is highly sought after by collectors due to his potential as a top prospect in the NBA. It’s important to be aware of the potential for fake or custom cards when buying modern cards, as this can lead to disappointment or even financial loss. Stick to reputable brands and sources when making purchases to ensure that you’re getting what you paid for.
As for Wembanyama’s future in the NBA, only time will tell. But if he lives up to his potential, his Rookie Card could be worth a lot more in the future. So, if you’re a collector, consider investing in this card now before its value skyrockets.
In conclusion, Victor Wembanyama is a rare talent on the basketball court, and his Rookie Card is highly sought after by collectors. While there are some risks to buying modern cards, such as custom cards, collectors who stick to reputable brands and sources can invest in the future of the sport with confidence.
