2017-18 NBA Rookie Class: Who’s Rising and Who’s Falling? – Beckett Pricing Insider

With the 2018-19 in full swing, let’s take a look at what second-year players are having strong seasons and who’s suffering from sophomore slumps.

Rising

1. De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings

Fox has emerged this season as one of the top rookies of the class, perhaps leaving some of the teams that drafted ahead of Sacramento second-guessing themselves. With averages of 17.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.7 steals through 52 games, Fox has helped lead a surprising Kings team into playoff contention with hopes of ending a league-high 12-year postseason drought. Look for the Sacramento point guard on All-Star Weekend in the Skills Challenge and Rising Stars Game.

2. John Collins, Atlanta Hawks

After missing the first 15 games of the season, the second-year power forward has become a consistent double-double threat with averages of 19.6 points and ten rebounds per game. Collins, point guard Trae Young, and shooting guard Kevin Huerter form a solid foundation the Hawks can build around in the coming years. On the hobby front, John Collins Rookie Cards are drawing increased interest, including his National Treasures RC that is creeping toward the $1,000 mark. A win in this year’s Slam Dunk Contest could raise his profile even higher.

3. D.J. Wilson, Milwaukee Bucks

After barely getting off the bench for Milwaukee last season, Wilson has become a key rotation piece for one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. The 6’10’’, 22-year old’s effectiveness as a defender and three-point shooter made 2016-17 lottery pick Thon Maker expendable. Wilson should be considered a deep sleeper pick for hobbyists who like to sprinkle in a little speculation with their collecting. Wilson Rookie Cards are inexpensive and he will likely get more exposure if the Bucks make a deep playoff run.

Falling

1. Lonzo Ball, Los Angeles Lakers

Much like teammate Brandon Ingram, Ball has been solid if not spectacular. But collectors were expecting more from a No. 2 overall pick. Persistent trade rumors have not helped his hobby outlook, and Ball Rookie Card prices have been on a consistent downturn for some time.

2. Jordan Bell, Golden State Warriors

Bell attracted some collector interest last year as a rookie contributor on an NBA championship team. This season, however, his stats are down across the board as his playing time has dwindled. Bell Rookie Card prices are very soft at the moment.

3. Frank Ntilikina, New York Knicks

The lofty expectations placed on the eighth overall pick simply have not been met. Though only 20-years old, Ntilikina’s ceiling at this point projects more toward solid contributor than star point guard. The Knicks recent acquisition of Dennis Smith Jr. further muddles both his role on the team and his hobby desirability.