Jayson Tatum vs. Jaylen Brown Cards: Value and Underrated Potential

In the world of basketball card collecting, the value of a player's card often reflects their performance, potential, and popularity. Two players who have garnered significant attention in the hobby are Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics. Both players have shown remarkable skills and potential, but how do their cards compare in terms of value? And who is more underrated? This blog post will explore these questions, diving into the market trends, player performances, and factors influencing the value of their cards.

Jayson Tatum Cards

Key Cards

1. 2017 Panini Prizm Rookie Card

   • The 2017 Panini Prizm Jayson Tatum rookie card is one of the most sought-after cards among collectors. Known for its sleek design and high-quality production, this card is a staple for any Tatum fan.
   • High-grade versions (PSA 10) of this card can sell for several hundred dollars, with rarer parallels like the Silver Prizm fetching even higher prices.

2. 2017 National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph (RPA)

   • This card is highly valued for its combination of an on-card autograph and a piece of game-worn jersey. National Treasures is known for its premium quality and limited print runs.
   • Prices for high-grade versions can reach several thousand dollars, especially for low-numbered variants.

3. 2017 Panini Select Rookie Card

   • Another popular rookie card for Tatum, the Panini Select offers a more affordable option compared to National Treasures while still maintaining high quality and desirability.
   • The Silver and other parallels are particularly sought after, with PSA 10 versions commanding high prices.

Market Trends and Value

Jayson Tatum's cards have seen a steady increase in value over the past few years. His performance on the court, including multiple All-Star selections and deep playoff runs, has solidified his status as one of the NBA's rising stars. Collectors are particularly drawn to his scoring ability, versatility, and leadership potential.

According to data from market tracking platforms like Card Ladder and Market Movers, Tatum's rookie cards, especially high-grade and rare parallels, have appreciated significantly. For instance, his 2017 Prizm Silver Rookie Card has seen a consistent rise in value, reflecting his growing influence in the league​ (Baseball Card Blog)​​ (Gold Card Auctions -)​.

Jaylen Brown Cards

Key Cards

1. 2016 Panini Prizm Rookie Card

   • Jaylen Brown’s 2016 Panini Prizm rookie card is a key item for collectors. Like Tatum's, this card is known for its high-quality design and desirability.
   • High-grade versions (PSA 10) can sell for several hundred dollars, with Silver Prizms and other parallels commanding higher prices.

2. 2016 National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph (RPA)

   • This card features an on-card autograph and a piece of game-worn jersey, similar to Tatum’s RPA.
   • Prices for high-grade versions can reach into the thousands, especially for rare, low-numbered variants.

3. 2016 Panini Select Rookie Card

   • Another popular rookie card for Brown, the Panini Select offers a variety of parallels that are highly sought after.
   • The Silver and other parallels are particularly valuable, with PSA 10 versions being in high demand.

Market Trends and Value

Jaylen Brown’s cards have also appreciated in value, though generally not as much as Tatum’s. Brown has developed into a versatile and dynamic player, contributing significantly on both ends of the court. His improvement in scoring, defense, and leadership has not gone unnoticed by collectors.

Data from market tracking platforms indicate that Brown's rookie cards have seen a steady increase, particularly during the 2020-2021 season when he made his first All-Star appearance​ (Baseball Card Blog)​​ (Gold Card Auctions -)​. However, his cards tend to be slightly undervalued compared to Tatum’s, presenting potential opportunities for collectors.

Who is More Valuable?

Factors Influencing Card Value

Several factors influence the value of a player’s cards, including:

1. Performance and Potential

   • Jayson Tatum’s consistent performance, scoring ability, and potential for future MVP considerations make his cards highly valuable.
   • Jaylen Brown’s versatility and two-way play are also impressive, but his market appeal has been slightly lower compared to Tatum.

2. Market Perception

   • Tatum is often seen as the franchise player and future face of the Celtics, which boosts his card value.
   • Brown, while equally important to the team’s success, is sometimes viewed as the second option, which can affect his card value.

3. Rarity and Condition

   • Rare parallels and high-grade cards command higher prices for both players.
   • The condition of the cards (PSA/BGS grades) significantly impacts their value.

Market Comparisons

Comparing the market data from various platforms shows that Tatum’s cards generally fetch higher prices than Brown’s. For example, a PSA 10 2017 Prizm Silver Jayson Tatum rookie card can sell for over $1,000, while a PSA 10 2016 Prizm Silver Jaylen Brown rookie card typically sells for around $600-$800​ (Baseball Card Blog)​​ (Gold Card Auctions -)​.

Who is More Underrated?

Jaylen Brown: The Underrated Star

Despite his impressive performances and All-Star appearances, Jaylen Brown is often considered more underrated compared to Jayson Tatum. Several factors contribute to this perception:

1. Dual Roles

   • Brown’s ability to excel on both offense and defense often goes underappreciated compared to Tatum’s scoring prowess.
   • His versatility allows him to adapt to various roles, making him a crucial but sometimes overlooked player.

2. Market Perception

   • The market tends to favor high-scoring players, which can undervalue the contributions of versatile players like Brown.
   • Brown’s quieter demeanor and less flashy style of play compared to Tatum’s highlight-reel moments can contribute to his underrated status.

3. Potential for Growth

   • Brown has shown significant improvement each season, indicating that he still has untapped potential.
   • Collectors who recognize this potential may find his cards to be a valuable investment opportunity as his career progresses.

Jayson Tatum: The Recognized Star

Jayson Tatum is widely recognized as one of the NBA’s brightest young stars. His card values reflect this recognition, but it also means that his potential for further appreciation might be somewhat limited compared to Brown’s.

1. High Expectations

   • Tatum’s already high card values are driven by high expectations and consistent performance.
   • While Tatum’s cards are a solid investment, the potential for dramatic increases may be less compared to Brown’s, whose cards are starting from a lower base.

2. Established Market

   • Tatum’s established market means that his cards are already among the most valuable for young players.
   • Collectors looking for higher returns might find more opportunities with undervalued players like Brown.

Conclusion

In the debate of Jayson Tatum vs. Jaylen Brown cards, both players offer compelling opportunities for collectors. Tatum’s cards are generally more valuable due to his high market perception and consistent performance. However, Jaylen Brown presents a potentially underrated investment opportunity, with his versatile skill set and improving performance suggesting significant room for growth.

Collectors should consider their own goals and risk tolerance when deciding between Tatum and Brown cards. Those seeking more established, high-value cards might lean towards Tatum, while those looking for undervalued gems with high potential could find Jaylen Brown’s cards to be a rewarding choice. Regardless of the choice, both players represent the future of the NBA and offer exciting prospects for any collection.