Let’s discuss the best Cade Cunningham rookie cards that money can buy.
Cade Cunningham had a spectacular debut season for the Detroit Pistons in 2021-22, even if he missed out on the Rookie of the Year award to Scottie Barnes when all was said and done.
The first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft has impressed massively, whether it be as a primary ball handler, scorer, or facilitator.
For example, Cunningham recorded 34 points, eight rebounds, eight assists, four blocks, and two steals in a 110–105 loss to the Denver Nuggets in January 2022, joining Michael Jordan as the only rookies in NBA history to post these numbers in a single game.
His rookie card prices are higher than most, and have continued to garner attention as the season has progressed.
Here’s a roundup with five of the best Cade Cunningham rookie cards to collect.
The Best Cade Cunningham Rookie Cards: List
Cade Cunningham rookie cards were released in 2021-22. As the first overall pick, he was featured heavily in almost every set imaginable. There are hundreds of Cunningham RCs to choose from, but we’ve whittled it down to just five. There’s a wide range in prices, so there should be something for every collector.
5. 2021 Donruss Cade Cunningham RC #211 (eBay)
Beginning with the flagship 2021 Donruss Basketball collection, we’re looking at the ever-popular Rated Rookie line. Cunningham is featured in a simple action shot, wearing the familiar red and blue of the Pistons.
It’s proven to be one of the more interesting Cunningham RCs, with parallels to suit almost every budget. (Parallels correspond with the border color.)
PSA 10 copies of the base version and the Holo Orange Laser can currently be picked up in the $200 dollar range. Of course, the price goes up exponentially for rarer serial numbered copies.
- Parallels: Green Ice, Silver Press Proof, Yellow Flood, Purple Press Proof #/199, 75th Anniversary #/75
- Choice: Base Choice, Dragon, Red #/99, Blue #/49, Gold #/10, Black Gold #/8, Black 1/1
- Holo Laser: Green, Green/Yellow, Orange, Pink, Red/Gold, Teal, Base #/149, Purple #/99, Red #/99, Light Blue #/60, Blue #/49, Yellow #/25, Red/Blue #/15, Gold #/10, Black 1/1
4. 2021-22 Panini Origins Rookie Autographs Cade Cunningham RC #IK-CUN (eBay)
2021-2022 Panini Origins features a slick Cunningham RC with an on-card auto.
What helps the Origins Autographs set to stand out from the crowd is the fact that it has been signed in silver ink, along with 10 gold ink parallels. You can see the Gold auto in the image above.
Given the number of signed Cunningham cards released last year, we think it’s unique, and it’s definitely more eye-catching than the average autographed edition.
- Parallels: Gold Ink #/10, Gold Ink Inscriptions 1/1
3. 2021-22 Elite Passing The Torch Gold Luka Doncic/Cade Cunningham RC #PT-LC (eBay)
Passing the Torch Signatures is a dual-autograph insert included in 2021-22 Donruss Elite Basketball. These team up top NBA names with incoming rookies.
Cunningham is lucky enough to be paired with Luka Doncic, in a card dripping with star power. There are just 49 base copies, and a duo of rare parallels to look for. If you don’t mind Cunningham sharing the stage, it’s hard to find much better.
- Parallels: Gold #/10, Black 1/1
2. 2021-22 Panini Instant Cunningham/Green/Barnes/Suggs RC #RPS14 (eBay)
What about a quad autograph card featuring four of the best rookies from 2021-2022? Cunningham is joined by Scottie Barnes, Draymond Green, and Jalen Suggs in this Panini Instant release.
If you’d prefer to stick with Cunningham alone we’ve listed another great option below, but it’s hard to deny the investment potential with this card given the talent on display. As with all rookie investments, it depends on how you think they’ll perform in the future.
1. 2021-22 Contenders Cade Cunningham RC #102 (eBay)
2021-2022 Panini NBA Contenders Basketball is where to look for some of the most popular Cade Cunningham RCs on the market.
The set follows a traditional Rookie Ticket design, and comes with a handful of parallels to chase. There’s also a photo variation, which can be identified as they have a white “V” inside a black circle on the reverse. We’ve circled an example below.
- Ticket Parallels: Clear, Playoff #/99, The Finals #/49, Cracked Ice #/25, Championship 1/1
- Premium Edition Ticket Parallels: Base Premium Edition, Green Shimmer, Blue Shimmer FOTL #/20, Gold #/10, Red Shimmer FOTL #/5, Gold Shimmer FOTL 1/1, Gold Vinyl 1/1
Cade Cunningham Rookie Cards: Buyers Guide
Here are our thoughts about the current market for Cade Cunningham rookie cards, and whether they’re worth the considerable outlay.
As the cards were released to coincide with the 2022-22 season, there’s a wide selection to choose from if you’re on the market for entry-level options. We’ve noted that PSA 10 copies of the base 2021 Donruss RC and the Holo Orange Laser can currently be picked up in the $200 dollar range. It’s even cheaper if you’re looking at ungraded copies.
Do you like the look of the Rookie Ticket, or would you prefer Cunningham to share the RC with some of the best players in the NBA? Any of the options on this list have a great chance of making profit in the long run.
Cheaper alternatives include Panini NBA Hoops cards, along with options from Panini Chronicles, Panini Revolution, Donruss Optic, and more. More valuable options we haven’t listed such as the 2021-22 Panini Prizm Basketball RC are also worth checking out, depending on the sale price and the parallel in question. The same goes for Panini National Treasures, and other popular sets with a higher average price.
The Unmistakable Appeal of Cade Cunningham Cards
As the first overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, Cade Cunningham has garnered immense attention from basketball fans and card collectors alike. His cards, especially his rookie cards, have become highly desirable due to his exceptional talent and potential for a successful NBA career. Rookie cards of such players often hold significant value and may appreciate over time, particularly if the player performs well in their career.
Where to Find Cade Cunningham Cards
Finding Cade Cunningham cards isn’t challenging, but acquiring specific ones might require some dedicated searching. They are available in various sports card outlets, both online and physical stores. Websites like eBay, MySlabs, and ComC often have a variety of Cade Cunningham cards listed, ranging from his college days to the NBA rookie cards. In-store, card shops and sports memorabilia stores are also good places to hunt for Cunningham’s cards.
Grading Cade Cunningham Cards: A Wise Investment?
Having a Cade Cunningham rookie card graded by a reputable card grading company can significantly enhance its value. Companies like Professional Sports Authenticator (PSA) and Beckett Grading Services (BGS) assess the condition of a card and assign it a grade on a 10-point scale. A high-grade Cade Cunningham rookie card can fetch a higher price on the resale market than an ungraded or lower-grade one.
Future Value of Cade Cunningham Rookie Cards
While predicting the future value of sports cards is an uncertain science, there are a few factors to consider when looking at Cade Cunningham’s rookie cards. His performance in the NBA, how his team fares in the coming seasons, and the overall condition of the card are all vital factors. A card that’s well-kept and in mint condition could see an increase in value over the years, especially if Cunningham lives up to the hype surrounding his NBA career.
Key Takeaway
Collecting Cade Cunningham cards, especially his rookie cards, can be an exciting pursuit. His skill and potential make his cards a valuable addition to any sports card collection. Whether you’re a dedicated fan of Cunningham, a Detroit Pistons enthusiast, or a sports card investor, these cards present an intriguing collecting prospect. As always, remember to do your research, consider grading for valuable cards, and enjoy the collecting journey!
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