10 Undervalued Vintage NBA Rookie Cards to Buy Now
From forgotten greats to Hall of Fame legends, these vintage rookie cards still offer big value for collectors and investors.
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Vintage NBA rookie cards remain one of the most overlooked segments of the hobby, especially when it comes to Hall of Fame talent and early legends. While modern cards tend to dominate headlines, plenty of undervalued vintage rookies offer great value for collectors and long-term investors.
In this guide, we’ll highlight 10 vintage NBA rookie cards that fly under the radar but deserve a second look. These are smart pickups with low populations, rising interest, and lasting collector appeal—all factors that could drive long-term growth.
1. Moses Malone – 1975 Topps Rookie #254
🏀 Overview
Moses Malone was one of the most dominant big men in basketball history. A pioneer who jumped straight from high school to the pros, Malone won three NBA MVP awards, collected 12 All-Star selections, and racked up more than 27,000 points and 16,000 rebounds.
His 1975 Topps rookie card, showing him in an ABA Utah Stars jersey, is a standout from a classic but notoriously flawed set, making high-quality copies challenging.
👉 Search 1975 Topps Moses Malone Rookie Cards on eBay
📊 PSA Pop & Recent Sales
- PSA 8 Value: ~$200
- PSA 9 Value: ~$700
- PSA 10 Population: Just 39 copies
The 1975 Topps set is notorious for print fuzziness, off-centering, and cloudy image quality, making gem-mint examples extremely rare. The low PSA 10 population reflects how difficult it is to find a copy that’s both well-centered and crisply printed.
💡 Collector Insight
The card’s ABA branding and Malone’s instantly recognizable look add to its appeal. Despite his all-time resume, Malone remains somewhat undervalued in the hobby, but appreciation is growing as more collectors recognize his impact.
📈 Investment Potential
Even with how tough this card is in top condition, prices haven’t spiked as expected. That makes PSA 8s and 9s feel like a bargain for one of the game’s all-time greats.
2. Bob Pettit – 1957 Topps PSA 6 Rookie #24
🏀 Overview
Bob Pettit was one of the NBA’s earliest superstars, dominating the league throughout the 1950s and early ’60s. He was a two-time MVP and scoring champ, leading the St. Louis Hawks to an NBA Championship in 1958. Pettit also became the first player in NBA history to surpass 20,000 career points — a feat that set the tone for future scoring legends.
👉 Search 1957 Topps Bob Pettit Rookie Cards on eBay
📊 PSA Pop & Recent Sales
- PSA 6 Value: ~$350–$500
- PSA 6 Population: ~190
- Set Context: Part of the iconic 1957 Topps Basketball set — the first Topps NBA issue and one of the hobby’s most important vintage sets
With just 190 PSA 6 copies graded, this card is already scarce in mid-grade condition, especially with strong centering and eye appeal.
💡 Collector Insight
Pettit doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves in hobby circles, but his impact on the game — and his place in NBA history — is undeniable. His rookie card is the earliest vintage rookie card on this list, and one of the most affordable Hall of Fame rookies from the 1950s.
📈 Investment Potential
Given Pettit’s status as a foundational NBA figure, his rookie card remains undervalued relative to other all-time greats. PSA 6s offer a sweet spot between scarcity and affordability. As more collectors look to add iconic names from the NBA’s early days, Pettit’s rookie card has strong long-term appeal.
3. Max Zaslofsky – 1948 Bowman Rookie #55
🏀 Overview
Max Zaslofsky was one of the NBA’s first scoring stars. He finished his career in 1956, ranking third all-time in points scored (7,990). He was the league’s scoring champion in 1947–48 and made four All-NBA First Team appearances, a testament to how dominant he was in the early pro era.
Zaslofsky is featured in the legendary 1948 Bowman basketball set, the NBA’s first official trading card release — the same set that includes the iconic George Mikan rookie. Despite the set’s importance and his career accolades, Zaslofsky’s rookie card remains surprisingly affordable.
👉 Search 1948 Bowman Max Zaslofsky Rookie Cards on eBay
📊 PSA Pop & Recent Sales
- Total PSA Population: 135
- PSA 3–4 Value Range: ~$200–$350
With such a low population across all grades, even lower-grade examples, especially those with decent eye appeal, are becoming harder to find.
💡 Collector Insight
Zaslofsky is widely considered one of the best players not yet inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, and his rookie remains one of the more accessible entry points into the 1948 Bowman set. This is a must-know card for collectors building out vintage runs or chasing early NBA pioneers.
📈 Investment Potential
If Zaslofsky is ever inducted via a veterans or senior committee vote, which remains a real possibility, his rookie card could see a strong bump in demand. For now, it stands as one of the few affordable vintage rookie cards from a blue-chip basketball set.
4. John Havlicek – 1969 Topps Rookie #20
🏀 Overview
John Havlicek is widely regarded as one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history, known for his endurance, clutch play, and leadership on the court. Havlicek spent his entire career with the Boston Celtics from 1962 to 1978, where he helped lead the team to eight NBA championships, making him one of the most decorated players in league history.
His rookie card appears in the iconic 1969 Topps “tallboy” set, known for its oversized format and loaded Hall of Fame checklist.
👉 Search 1969 Topps John Havlicek Rookie Cards on eBay
📊 PSA Pop & Recent Sales
- PSA 7 Value: ~$250–$300
- PSA 6 Population: 418
- Total PSA Population Graded Higher: 340
PSA 7 examples remain an affordable entry point for vintage collectors focused on an underrated Hall of Famer.
💡 Collector Insight
Havlicek’s card is one of the cornerstones of the 1969 Topps set, and his lasting legacy with the Celtics ensures continued collector interest. The card’s large size and off-center printing make well-preserved copies especially desirable.
📈 Investment Potential
With a rock-solid resume and strong Boston fanbase, Havlicek’s rookie card offers long-term stability and upside, particularly in mid-grade condition. This one checks all the boxes for collectors looking for a blue-chip Hall of Fame rookie without spending four figures.
5. Sam Jones – 1961 Fleer Rookie #23
🏀 Overview
Sam Jones was a key figure in the Boston Celtics’ dynasty run, winning 10 NBA championships, second only to Bill Russell in league history. A career Celtic from 1957 to 1969, Jones was known for his smooth jumper and clutch performances in big games. He was posthumously recognized as one of the 50 greatest players in NBA history.
👉 Search 1961 Fleer Sam Jones Rookie Cards on eBay
Jones’s rookie card appears in the legendary 1961 Fleer basketball set, one of the most important vintage basketball issues, featuring a deep roster of Hall of Famers.
📊 PSA Pop & Recent Sales
- PSA 7 Value: ~$300
- PSA 7 Population: 180
While cards from this set are often off-centered or miscut, PSA 7 copies of Jones’s rookie card remain relatively affordable, especially considering his career achievements and Hall of Fame status.
💡 Collector Insight
Sam Jones’s rookie card is one of the most undervalued Hall of Fame cards in the 1961 Fleer set. He doesn’t have the same hobby spotlight as teammates like Bill Russell or Bob Cousy, but among vintage basketball purists, he’s highly respected.
📈 Investment Potential
Given his championship pedigree, lasting legacy, and the iconic nature of the 1961 Fleer set, Jones’s rookie offers strong upside in PSA 7. With fewer than 160 copies in this grade, it’s likely to become harder to find as more collectors target overlooked legends from this foundational set.
“In terms of basketball skills, in total, Sam Jones was the most skillful player that I played with.”
6. Jerry Lucas – 1969 Topps Rookie #45
🏀 Overview
Jerry Lucas had an impressive NBA career from 1963 to 1974, starting as Rookie of the Year with the Cincinnati Royals alongside Oscar Robertson and finishing as a champion with the 1973 New York Knicks. Known for his rebounding, basketball IQ, and consistency, Lucas was named one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players.
His rookie card appears in the beloved 1969 Topps “Tallboy” set, which also features the iconic Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar) rookie card and the Havlicek rookie we outlined above.
👉 Search 1969 Topps Jerry Lucas Rookie Cards on eBay
📊 PSA Pop & Recent Sales
- PSA 7 Value: ~$100
- PSA 7 Population: 168
- PSA 8 Value: ~$175–$200 (undervalued relative to other HOFers)
Due to the ’69 Topps set’s large size and print challenges, high-grade examples are tough to find well-centered, making PSA 7 and 8 cards strong targets for collectors.
💡 Collector Insight
Lucas’s legacy has flown under the radar in the hobby, especially compared to flashier stars from his era. But his contributions — both as a player and later as a basketball innovator and author — make him a compelling figure in NBA history. His card is still widely available and affordable for vintage-focused collectors.
📈 Investment Potential
This card remains a low-risk, high-upside play at around $100 for a PSA 7 graded copy. With a relatively low population and strong long-term collector appeal, this is one of the better Hall of Fame rookies you can still buy at a bargain price.
7. David Thompson – 1976 Topps Rookie #110
🏀 Overview
David Thompson, nicknamed “Skywalker,” was one of the most electrifying players of the 1970s, known for his vertical leap, explosive scoring, and smooth style of play. He starred in both the ABA and NBA from 1975 to 1984, and despite an injury-shortened career, he left a major mark on the game — even influencing Michael Jordan.
Thompson’s rookie card is the marquee rookie in the oversized 1976 Topps basketball set, a release known for its colorful design and large format.
👉 Search 1976 Topps David Thompson Rookie Cards on eBay
📊 PSA Pop & Recent Sales
- PSA 8 Value: ~$100
- PSA 8 Population: 452
- PSA 9 Value: ~$900
- Set Challenge: Oversized cards often suffer from edge and corner wear, making high grades more difficult to obtain
💡 Collector Insight
Despite being a Hall of Famer and early 1980s icon, Thompson’s rookie card is still overlooked compared to his contemporaries. For collectors chasing high-flying legends or stars with cultural influence, this card stands out as a visually striking and affordable option.
📈 Investment Potential
With PSA 8 examples priced well under $200 and fewer than 500 in the pop report, Thompson’s rookie feels like a bargain for a Hall of Fame talent. As appreciation for overlooked greats grows, this oversized rookie card may see a strong bump in collector demand.
8. Larry Foust – 1957 Topps Rookie #18
🏀 Overview
Larry Foust was one of the NBA’s top big men during the 1950s, playing from 1950 to 1962 and earning eight All-Star selections and two All-NBA honors. Known for his physical play and strength in the paint, Foust racked up over 11,000 career points and 8,000 rebounds — impressive totals for his era.
While many collectors overlook his name, Basketball Reference lists Foust among the top players not yet in the Hall of Fame, based on their HOF probability model.
His rookie card appears in the iconic 1957 Topps basketball set, but is often overshadowed by legends like Bill Russell and Bob Cousy.
👉 Search 1957 Topps Larry Foust Rookie Cards on eBay
📊 PSA Pop & Recent Sales
- PSA 7 Value: ~$200
- PSA 7 Population: 70+
- PSA Population Graded Higher: 240
That’s just 300+ total PSA 7+ copies, making mid-grade Foust rookies harder to find, especially for collectors rounding out their 1957 Topps sets or prospecting potential HOF candidates.
💡 Collector Insight
Foust may not be a household name, but for vintage collectors and historians of the game, he represents one of the last affordable rookie cards of a legitimate Hall of Fame-caliber player. His rookie offers a connection to the NBA’s early years at a fraction of the cost of his more famous peers.
📈 Investment Potential
If Foust ever gets elected to the Hall via a veterans committee vote — a realistic possibility — his rookie card could see a sharp increase in demand. With low population numbers and mid-grade scarcity, buying now could be a smart long-term play.
9. Dick Barnett – 1969 Topps Rookie #18
🏀 Overview
Dick Barnett, nicknamed “Fall Back Baby,” was a key contributor to the New York Knicks’ championship teams in 1970 and 1973. Though never the team’s biggest star, Barnett was a consistent scorer and respected leader, the player who made winning plays. His No. 12 jersey is retired by the Knicks, hanging in Madison Square Garden alongside the franchise’s greatest legends.
Despite his accomplishments, Barnett has yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, though many believe he’s worthy of consideration.
His rookie card appears in the 1969 Topps “tallboy” set, known for its oversized design and loaded checklist of iconic players.
👉 Search 1969 Topps Dick Barnett Rookie Cards on eBay
📊 PSA Pop & Recent Sales
- PSA 8 Value: ~$120
- PSA 8 Population: 168
- Set Notes: The tallboy format often leads to edge and corner wear, making high-grade examples more challenging to find
💡 Collector Insight
Barnett’s rookie is one of the hobby’s most affordable Knicks legend cards. Barnett remains a fan favorite with his jersey in the rafters and his role on two title teams, especially among New York collectors.
📈 Investment Potential
Barnett’s rookie card is an easy entry point into vintage basketball. At just $120 for a PSA 8 and only 168 copies, it could see a meaningful bump if he’s ever honored with a Hall of Fame nod or gains more recognition. But even without that, it’s a smart, low-risk buy for vintage fans.
10. Bob Love – 1969 Topps Rookie #78
🏀 Overview
Bob “Butterbean” Love was a standout forward for the Chicago Bulls in the late 1960s and ’70s. He earned three All-Star selections and became one of the team’s first true stars. Known for his smooth mid-range game and defensive effort, Love was a consistent scorer and a foundational player during the early Bulls era.
Though not yet inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame, Love is often mentioned as a fringe candidate, especially given his legacy with the Bulls and continued presence in NBA history discussions.
His rookie card appears in the 1969 Topps “tallboy” set, representing many cards in this piece.
👉 Search 1969 Topps Bob Love Rookie Cards on eBay
📊 PSA Pop & Recent Sales
- PSA 8 Value: ~$125-$150
- PSA 8 Population: 112
- Set Notes: Like others in the set, the oversized format makes clean, high-grade examples increasingly challenging to find
💡 Collector Insight
Love’s impact on the Bulls franchise has earned him a lasting fan base in Chicago. The team has retired his jersey (#10), but his rookie card remains one of the most affordable vintage All-Star rookies from the 1969 set.
📈 Investment Potential
With only 105 PSA 8s graded and values still under $150, Love’s rookie card represents a low-cost opportunity to pick up a card with regional appeal, All-Star accolades, and absolute scarcity. If he ever gets the Hall call, expect demand to rise.
🏁 Final Thoughts
The vintage basketball card market still holds great opportunities, especially with underrated rookie cards of Hall of Famers, overlooked stars, and borderline greats. Whether it’s an early pioneer like Max Zaslofsky or a fan-favorite like Bob Love, each player left a mark on the game, even if the hobby hasn’t fully caught up.
As more collectors shift focus back to scarcity, career accomplishments, and long-term legacy, these cards are poised for renewed interest. Many have low PSA populations, appear in iconic sets like 1948 Bowman or 1969 Topps, and remain affordable in mid-to-high grades.
If you’re building a vintage basketball portfolio or looking to diversify beyond the usual suspects. In that case, these hidden gems deserve a spot in your collection before the rest of the hobby catches on.
