Joel Embiid has been in the MVP conversation for the last two years as the runner-up, while he is a five-time NBA All-Star, a four-time member of the All-NBA Team and a three-time member of the All-Defensive Team. If you’re looking for valuable rookie cards, you can trust “the Process”.
Embiid has led the Philadelphia 76ers to five consecutive playoff berths, which is the longest streak for the team in almost 20 years. His rookie cards can be exceptionally valuable, which is no surprise given his superstar status for Philadelphia.
Here’s a roundup with five of the best Joel Embiid rookie cards to collect, including rare parallels and RPAs to chase.
The Best Joel Embiid Rookie Cards
Released in 2014-15, Joel Embiid can be found on over 20 base rookie cards, and that’s without accounting for inserts and parallels.
5. 2014-15 Panini Prizm Joel Embiid RC #253 (eBay)
2014-15 Panini Prizm is where we’ll begin. The flagship set is home to a great Embiid RC that has proven to be especially popular with collectors. The player is shown in a simple pose, clutching a basketball in both hands.
As always, most of the attention will be paid to the various Prizm parallels, with a rainbow of 17 to choose from, including die-cuts. It’s arguably the best option if you’re looking for a more affordable Joel Embiid rookie card, but prices will rise for the rarest versions.
- Parallels: Prizms, Blue Mojo Prizms, Blue Wave Prizms, Blue and Green Mosaic Prizms, Green Prizms, Red/White/Blue Pulsar Prizms, Yellow and Red Mosaic Prizms, Orange Die-Cut Prizms (/139), Purple Die-Cut Prizms (/139), Blue Prizms (/99), Light Blue Prizms (/49), Red Prizms (/49), Red Pulsar Prizms (/25), Gold Prizms (/10), Gold Pulsar Prizms (/10), Black Prizms (1/1), Black Pulsar Prizms (1/1)
Check prices of 2014-15 Panini Prizm Joel Embiid RC on eBay
4. 2014-15 Panini Flawless Joel Embiid RC #182 /20 (eBay)
Another popular set for Joel Embiid rookie cards, 2014-15 Panini Flawless only has a duo of parallels to choose from. Then there’s the base copy which has a print run of only 20. An understated design that comes with a diamond attached, it’s always going to be seen as an ultra-premium option.
(It’s no surprise considering the product features a small jewel and a print run of 20 copies or less.) On the other hand, the miniscule print run means that the Flawless Embiid RC can be tough to locate.
- Parallels: Emerald (/5), Black (1/1)
Check prices of 2014-15 Panini Flawless Joel Embiid RC on eBay
3. 2014-15 Panini Spectra Joel Embiid RC Auto Patch #103 (eBay)
2014-15 Spectra is where we’re heading next. In terms of positives, it’s an auto, with a premium chromium finish and a smaller patch. There’s a range of numbered parallels, and Spectra is a popular brand. However, the base card isn’t serial numbered, and it is a stickered signature.
Regardless, it’s one of the more affordable Embiid RPAs, especially when compared to the duo of cards discussed below.
- Parallels: Blue (/99), Orange (/25), Gold (/10), Green (/5), Black (1/1)
Check prices of 2014-15 Panini Spectra Joel Embiid RC on eBay
2. 2014-15 Immaculate Collection Joel Embiid RC Auto Patch #104 /99 (eBay)
The Immaculate Collection is a high-end set which is going to set you back by a fair amount. The base Immaculate card is limited to 99 copies, while it comes with an on-card auto, and a small patch from Embiid’s rookie season. There are only two parallels, including a one-of-one Logoman and a Jersey Number with a print run of 21.
- Parallels: Jersey Number (/21), Logoman (1/1)
Check prices of 2014-15 Immaculate Collection Joel Embiid RC on eBay
1. 2014-15 Panini National Treasures Joel Embiid RC Auto Patch #103 /99 (eBay)
The 2014-15 Panini National Treasures Embiid RC takes the top spot on this list, and it’s hard to argue against the decision. There’s the combination of a print run of just 99 for the base card, coupled with on-card ink and a jumbo patch which is far larger than the Immaculate Collection release seen above.
- Parallels: Gold (/25), Horizontal (/10), Platinum (/5), Logoman (1/1)
Check prices of 2014-15 Panini National Treasures Joel Embiid RC on eBay
Joel Embiid Rookie Cards: Buyers Guide
What do we think of the current market for the best Joel Embiid rookie cards? We’ve looked at recent sales to bring you our thoughts.
There are so many options to choose from at a range of different price points. The Prizm RC would be an obvious choice, with something to suit almost every budget due to the sheer number of parallels available.
Without a doubt, the best choice has to be the Panini National Treasures Embiid RC. It has everything you could possibly ask for, and it has the best potential long-term if you’re looking at investment options.
Joel Embiid Rookie Cards: Final Thoughts
Joel Embiid rookie cards are valuable, even if he has missed out on the MVP award by a whisker twice. Time is still on his side, and he’s recording strong numbers. Embiid might not be the quickest on the court, but that’s to be expected given his size.
If the 7-footer can steer a championship run, look for him to collect both MVP and Finals MVP honors. That will also have a massive impact on the values of his best rookie cards in the future.
Embiid has joined Basketball Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain and Allen Iverson as the only 76ers to ever capture the NBA scoring title. We wouldn’t bet against him leading Philly to glory, and he’s a lock for the Hall of Fame in a decade or so.