2016-17 NBA Rookie Class: Who’s Rising, Who’s Falling – Beckett Pricing Insider

Having examined players from the 2015-16 rookie class a few weeks back, let’s take a look at the rising and falling rookies from 2016-17.

Rising

Jamal Murray, Denver Nuggets

Another one-and-done University of Kentucky standout, Jamal Murray is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, and assists in helping establish Denver as one of the top teams in the Western Conference. Ben Simmons is the 2016-17 rookie headliner, but collectors have been waiting for another star player from this class to emerge. Maybe it’s Murray who is on his way to a breakout season.

Domantas Sabonis, Indiana Pacers

Like Murray, Domantas Sabonis is averaging career highs in points, rebounds, and assists. One of the Pacers’ top bench players, the 6’ 10’’ power forward/center is noted for his intense and emotional playing style. If his stellar play continues, Sabonis could be in the running for both the Sixth Man of the Year and Most Improved Player awards.

Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors

Pascal Siakam is starting for the best team in the Eastern Conference, quite an impressive feat considering he’s played organized basketball for only seven years. Perhaps unknown to the casual basketball fan, Siakam is started to attract hobby attention; his rookie cards are seeing an uptick, particularly his National Treasures RC, which has tripled in price since the beginning of the season.

Falling

Brandon Ingram, Los Angeles Lakers

Brandon Ingram has been solid if not spectacular, but collectors were expecting more from the No.2 overall pick. Speculation drove up his Rookie Card values to levels that have not been sustainable. Collectors are still hoping for a breakout, but for now, his card prices are soft.

Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics

Jaylen Brown and Ingram share similar hobby situations in that, as top draft picks for high-profile organizations, lofty collector hopes have not been met. While certainly impressive at times, Brown’s stats are down almost across the board a quarter into this season.

Dario Saric, Minnesota Timberwolves

Dario Saric drew some collector attention as the runner-up to Malcolm Brogdon for 2016-17 NBA Rookie of the Year. He played in 81 of 82 games, averaged double figures in scoring, and was the total-points leader for an improving Philadelphia 76ers squad. He has proven to be a solid contributor, but not a star. Included in the recent Jimmy Butler trade, Saric is currently playing about 20 minutes a night coming off the bench in Minnesota.