Breakout Players

BGS is currently offering one of its best grading deals ever with the $5 per card 20 day service level (50 card minimum), and though this sweet deal ends very soon, customers still have time to assemble last minute orders (must be postmarked by 2-2-09). So attention basketball card collectors – don’t overlook the following players when preparing and finalizing submissions:

THE BREAKOUT PLAYERS: Consider grading cards of these four most improved player candidates.

DANNY GRANGER: He currently ranks fourth in the league in scoring behind only Dwayne Wade, Lebron James and Kobe Bryant. In a recent six game stretch against Western Conference teams that began on Jan. 3, Granger averaged 34.7 ppg while shooting 49% from the field. Granger’s play has been stellar, and he’s one of the few bright spots on a struggling Indiana Pacers team. Despite his team’s lack of success, Granger’s cards have piqued collector interest as five of his cards appear on the fifty card Beckett Basketball Hot List. Granger should make his first All-Star team this year, so catch a rising star and submit his cards for grading now.

DEVIN HARRIS: Harris has excelled in his first full season in New Jersey – he is among the league leaders in scoring and has a supposed-to–be–rebuilding Nets team thinking playoffs. The maneuvering of Nets’ management has the franchise positioned for future success – the team has cleared sufficient cap space for 2010 free agency, they have the rights to the Mavericks 2010 first round draft pick and, with Harris at the point and rookie Brook Lopez at center, they’ve solidified the two toughest NBA positions to fill. Grade Harris cards now and expect even better days ahead for him and the Nets.

PAUL MILLSAP: The former NCAA rebounding champ has taken advantage of increased playing time on a riddled-with-injuries Jazz squad. In late November, Millsap, inserted into the starting lineup to replace the injured Carlos Boozer, promptly reeled off 19 double-doubles; he’s nearly doubled his scoring average (8.1 to 15.3) and his rebounding has increased from 5.6 to 9.5. Take advantage of Millsap’s hot streak and submit his cards today.

RANDY FOYE: His solid all-around ability, combined with the powerful play of Al Jefferson and an improving team record, have the Timberwolves drawing some attention. After missing most of last year due to injury and enduring a rough start to this season where he averaged 13.2 points on 39.7% shooting (including 26.4% on threes), Foye has flourished since Kevin McHale replaced Randy Wittman as coach.. In the first 22 games under McHale, Foye averaged 18.4ppg on 45.4% shooting (including 41.7% on threes). For the month of January, he is averaging 20.8ppg and shooting 50% from the floor. Submit his cards for grading while he is playing the best basketball of his professional career.

08/09 ROOKIE CLASS: This year’s class did not receive the hype of the 07/08 group, yet several impact players have emerged from this rookie crop. Even casual basketball collectors know the names Derrick Rose, Michael Beasley and OJ Mayo, and their cards are definitely prime grading candidates. In addition to these three, collectors should consider other rookies who are making significant contributions to their teams, players such as Russell Westbrook, Kevin Love, Eric Gordon, Rudy Fernandez, Mario Chalmers, D.J. Augustin, Brook Lopez, Jason Thompson, Luc Richard Mbah a Moute, George Hill, Courtney Lee, Marc Gasol and Marreese Speights. There are other talented rookies as well, and for $5 a card, collectors can slab some of tomorrow’s stars today.

NEW YORK KNICKS: Remember what Mike D’Antoni’s style of play did for the hobby standing of Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Boris Diaw and Leandro Barbosa? Yes, all excelled in D’Antoni’s manic offensive scheme, and all had cards appear on the Beckett Hot List at some point. Now, consider some of the players for the Knicks under D’Antoni – Chris Duhon already has a 22 assist game, David Lee is a double-double machine and Wilson Chandler is emerging as a potential star. New York is another team well-positioned for 2010 free agency, and if the Knicks become a serious contender, collector interest in their players will surely rise.

MO WILLIAMS: There’s a good chance Williams will be an All-Star this year, and his recent 43 point, 11 assist, 8 rebound game didn’t hurt his chances. Williams has proven to be an effective No. 2 scorer next to Lebron James, and his profile will only be magnified as the Cavaliers battle the Celtics and Magic for Eastern Conference supremacy. Grade his cards now and reap the benefits of the Cavaliers’ serious title pursuit.

- Steven Dalton, BGS Grading

BGS/JSA Seminar is this Saturday!

Saturday, January 31st is the BGS/JSA seminar. This is everyone’s chance to visit the BGS facilities, talk to industry experts and take part in discussions on card grading with BGS graders and autograph authentication with James Spence.

This is also a wonderful time to take advantage of special grading and authentication offers. We are also grading on-site!

Unsure of an items value? Have it reviewed FOR FREE by at the Beckett Roadshow table by a Beckett Select Auctions representative.

And don’t miss the special promo cards provided by Donruss/Playoff. These will be available here Saturday!

Click here for more details.

Have a Question?

Q: I saw somewhere that BGS was running weekly grading specials for certain player's cards. Is this true and if so, where do I find this information out? I love the idea but just can't locate the list.

A: Yes, this is a new feature that has been added to the Beckett Grading website. Each week, the Beckett staff will update the list with players/people that are having great weeks, years, or had a great day! There will be a grading offer associated with each player on the list. This list will change weekly but could change daily so check back often!

The list can be found by going to www.beckett.com/grading and clicking on the "Spotlight Players of the Week" link right in the middle of the page. Several customers have already informed us that the link has been bookmarked the link on their PC's. We don't blame them as the grading offers that can be found here are pretty amazing! Enjoy the list and the grading offers!