Nikola Jokic's remarkable journey to NBA stardom began in Sombor, Serbia. The 6'11" center launched his professional basketball career in Serbia with Mega Basket in the Serbian and Adriatic League and garnered a lot of attention overseas for his basketball talents and accomplishments. After several years of professional basketball under his belt, Nikola Jokic declared himself eligible for the 2014 NBA Draft.
Although Jokic was one of the most talented international players in the 2014 NBA Draft, he slipped into the 2nd round of the draft, with the Denver Nuggets selecting him with the 41st pick. After making his NBA debut on October 28, 2015, the Nuggets persisted in utilizing Jokic off the bench until midway through his rookie season, though Jokic displayed exceptional promise despite not receiving the minutes he deserved.
After earning the silver medal for the Serbian national team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, Jokic gained conviction, illustrated by his second season with the Nuggets, earning him high praise in the voting for the Most Improved Player Award.
Jokic upped his performance year by year, ultimately earning three consecutive All-Star Game nods, recognized to the All-NBA First Team twice, and capturing the Most Valuable Player Award for his impressive statistics in the 2020-21 NBA season.
Now in his 7th NBA season, Nikola Jokic is a 26-year-old veteran, NBA phenom, and one of the most respected players in the league. As one of the most prolific international players in NBA history, basketball card collectors keep close tabs on the emergence of Nikola Jokic's rookie cards. Such being the case, it's time to disclose the top 10 best Nikola Jokic rookie cards.
#10
2015 Panini Donruss Nikola Jokic Signature Series RC #SS-NJK
Recent sale: $370
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Nikola Jokic's basketball career began at KK Vojvodina Srbijagas as a participant in the Basketball League of Serbia and Adriatic Basketball Association. Jokic later signed with Mega Basket in the Adriatic Basketball Association. In his 2012-13 season with Mega Basket, Jokic averaged 7.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.4 assists and shooting 47.2% from the floor in 18.2 minutes of action. In the 2013-14 season, his playing time grew to 24.7 minutes per game, and Jokic took advantage, averaging 11.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.5 assists and shooting 53.2% from the floor.
Nikola Jokic's 10th most valuable basketball card appears in the 2015-16 Panini Donruss basketball set. Panini released the set on February 19, 2016, comprising 24 packs of eight cards in each hobby box. Nikola Jokic's autograph rookie card emerged from the Signature Series checklist, featuring 63 players, including rookies and veterans. Although Jokic's rookie card isn't serial-numbered, his 2015-16 Panini Donruss Signature Series autograph rookie card has an overall population of 16. With a total PSA and BGS population of 16, this is one of Jokic's most limited rookie cards and one of four cards on the list that hasn't merited a PSA or BGS 10.
Nikola Jokic began playing professional basketball in Serbia at the age of 17, though he quickly became one of the most high-profile players abroad. Already one of the NBA's finest players, the list of top 10 best Nikola Jokic rookie cards starts with a bang featuring his highly coveted 2015-16 Panini Donruss Signature Series autograph rookie card.
#9
2015 Panini Donruss Nikola Jokic The Rookies RC #43
Recent sale: $400
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Jokic turned a massive corner in his 2014-15 season with Mega Basket, and his minutes boosted again with the club, averaging 29.5 minutes per contest. Through 38 games, Jokic averaged 16.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 1.4 steals, and 1.0 blocks per game for the Serbian club. Although Mega Basket finished 10th in the league standings, Jokic won the 2014-15 ABA League MVP and was honored with the ABA League Top Prospect award.
Jokic's next top rookie card arrives from 2015-16 Panini Donruss like his Signature Series autograph rookie card. The 2015-16 Panini Donruss set issued The Rookies checklist that highlighted the top 50 NBA rookies heading into the 2015-16 NBA season. Although Jokic's insert from the set isn't autographed or serial-numbered and has a higher overall population, Jokic's The Rookies rookie card holds a slight edge in value over his previous card. Jokic's The Rookies rookie card is one of his most populous rookie cards on the list, though only eight cards, roughly 11% of the 75 cards obtained a PSA or BGS 10.
Despite turning pro at the young age of 17, Jokic’s three-year spell overseas was a tremendous success. As Jokic earned high praise from NBA scouts, his The Rookies rookie card from the 2015-16 Panini Donruss set instantly became sought after.
#8
2015 Panini Limited Nikola Jokic Rookie Jersey Autographs RC #RJA-NJ #'d/99
Recent sale: $650
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Although Jokic's play overseas earned him a decent amount of recognition, he fell to the 2nd round of the 2014 NBA Draft, where he was drafted as the 41st overall pick by the Denver Nuggets. Jokic made his NBA debut for the Denver Nuggets on October 28, 2015. In just 3:55 of action, Jokic went 1-1 and recorded one turnover. Jokic started in seven of his first 31 games, and it wasn't until the 32nd game of his rookie season that he became a regular in the Nugget's starting lineup. As a reserve, Jokic averaged 9.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, compared to 10.3 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.7 assists as a starter.
The 2015-16 Panini Limited basketball set was released to collectors on April 6, 2016, in one pack of five cards. Jokic's rookie card from the prevalent set is from the Rookie Jersey Autographs checklist, highlighting 37 rookies from the 2014 NBA Draft. Jokic's Rookie Jersey Autographs rookie card is limited to 99 copies, tied for the third most limited card on the list. To date, 14 cards have been graded by PSA and BGS combined, with no card yet to obtain a PSA or BGS 10.
Finishing with an average of 10.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.4 assists per contest, Jokic's first NBA season was superb for the Denver Nuggets, earning him 2015-16 All-Rookie honors and finishing third in the Rookie of the Year voting. As Jokic's Rookie Jersey Autographs rookie card is serial-numbered and has yet to accept the ultimate grade from PSA or BGS, collectors are on the edge of their seats waiting for a PSA or BGS 10 to surface.
#7
2015 Panini Donruss Nikola Jokic Rated Rookie RC #215
Recent sale: $750
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After his rookie season in 2015-16, Nikola Jokic competed for the Serbian national team at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. After finishing fourth in Group A, Serbia advanced to the knockout round after defeating Croatia and Australia before falling to the United States national team in the gold medal game. Through eight games at the 2016 Summer Olympics, Jokic averaged 9.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 1.5 steals and shooting 50% from the field, guiding the Serbian squad to a silver medal, tied for their best finish at the Olympic games.
Reverting back to the 2015-16 Panini Donruss set, Nikola Jokic's next most valuable rookie card appeared from the Rated Rookies checklist. Jokic's Rated Rookies rookie card features the highest population of any other card on the list. With an overall PSA population of 272, roughly 34%, or 93 cards received a PSA 10. Although, Beckett's population report conveys a separate story as none of the 29 cards in its population report received a BGS 10, including 19 cards earning a BGS 9.5.
As Nikola Jokic and the Serbian national team impressed on basketball's biggest stage, basketball collectors became captivated about Jokic's potential. While Jokic's Rated Rookies rookie card exhibits the highest population for his rookie card on the list, collectors aren't shying away from bidding on Jokic's card, showcasing his most valuable card from 2015-16 Panini Donruss.
#6
2015 Panini Noir Nikola Jokic Autographed Patch RC #255 #'d/99
Recent sale: $1,072
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After capturing the silver medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics with the Serbian national team, Jokic headed into his sophomore NBA season with the Denver Nuggets. In the 2016-17 season, Jokic boosted his stats across the board. Jokic started in 59 of the 73 games for the Nuggets, who increased the 6'11" center's minutes to 27.9 minutes per game. In doing so, Jokic nearly averaged a double-double in the 2016-17 season, totaling 16.7 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. As Jokic quickly enhanced his basketball abilities, he received the 2nd most votes for the 2016-17 Most Improved Player award behind Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Panini circulated the 2015-16 Panini Noir basketball set to collectors on July 20, 2016, allocating one pack of 12 cards in each hobby box. Nikola Jokic's rookie card from 2015-16 Panini Noir surfaced from the Autographed Patch Rookies checklist, limiting his rookie card to 99 copies. Jokic's RPA from 2015-16 Panini Noir exhibits his most limited card in terms of population, with eight cards graded by PSA and none by BGS. Jokic's RPA is also one of the four cards yet to receive a PSA or BGS 10.
Jokic's sophomore campaign with the Denver Nuggets showed the Serbian center's promise in his NBA future. His 2016-17 season solidified to collectors that he may become the next NBA superstar after putting up unimaginable numbers in just 27.9 minutes of action, with his RPA from 2015-16 Panini Noir as one of Nikola Jokic's most profitable rookie basketball cards to collect.
#5
2015 Panini Select Nikola Jokic Die Cut Autographs Rookie RC #38 #'d/60
Recent sale: $1,750
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Jokic became a staple in the Denver Nuggets starting lineup in his third NBA season, starting in 73 of 75 games for the franchise. Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a 43-32 record in games he played, though the franchise finished as the 9th overall seed in the Western Conference, narrowly missing out on his first playoff appearance. Jokic's 2017-18 NBA season is the first time he averaged a double-double for the year where he recorded 18.5 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per contest. Jokic recorded a mind-boggling 38-double-doubles for the year, including 10 triple-doubles.
Panini issued 2015-16 Panini Select on March 9, 2016 in 12 packs of five cards. One of the most coveted checklists of the set is characterized as the Rookie Die-Cut Autographs, each limited to 60 copies. To date, only 21 cards have been graded by PSA and BGS, with six cards, or 29% acquiring a PSA or BGS 10. It's important to note that the sale of this particular Nikola Jokic Die-Cut Autographs rookie card earned a PSA 9, illustrating the potential value of a PSA or BGS 10.
On February 15, 2018, Jokic recorded a triple-double in his first 14:33 of action, the fastest triple-double in NBA history. As one of the most dominant European-born basketball players in NBA history, collectors are quick to jump on Nikola Jokic's Die-Cut Autographs rookie card from the 2015-16 Panini Select set due to its inherent value.
#4
2015 Panini Spectra Nikola Jokic Autographed Patch Orange Prizms RC #122 #'d/25
Recent sale: $2,200
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Jokic's performance in the 2018-19 season verified he's one of the most renowned basketball players in the league. In the 2018-19 NBA season, Jokic recorded 20.1 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game and averaged 51.1% from the field and 82.1% from the free-throw line. Jokic led the Denver Nuggets to a 54-28 record to clinch the 2nd overall seed in the Western Conference. Although the Nuggets fell to the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2nd round, Nikola Jokic recorded 25.1 points, 13.0 rebounds, and 8.4 assists through the team's 14 game postseason run. After putting up ridiculous numbers in his 2018-19 campaign, Jokic was voted to the 2018-19 NBA All-Star Game and earned his first selection to the All-NBA Team. As the NBA recognized Jokic for his accomplishments, Jokic was also voted as the 2018 Serbian Basketball Player of the Year.
Panini issued the 2015-16 Panini Spectra basketball set to basketball card enthusiasts on June 1, 2016. The most significant checklist of the set is the Rookie Jerseys Autograph set, emphasizing 33 NBA rookies. Nikola Jokic's Rookie Jerseys Autograph Orange Prizms rookie card is his most limited card on the list, serial-numbered to 25.
On October 20, 2018, Nikola Jokic scored 35 points and added 11 rebounds and 11 assists in just 31 minutes. In doing so, he became the second player in NBA history to acquire a triple-double while shooting 11 for 11 from the field or better, along with Wilt Chamberlain. Nikola Jokic's 2015-16 Panini Spectra is his most limited rookie card on the list, solidifying the long-term value of his Rookie Jerseys Autograph Orange Prizms rookie card.
#3
2015 Panini Select Nikola Jokic Silver Prizms RC #128
Recent sale: $2,240
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Nikola Jokic's 2019-20 season was just as impressive as his 2018-19 season that earned him his first All-Star Game appearance and All-NBA Team. In the first 55 games before the 2019-20 All-Star break, Jokic recorded 20.6 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 6.9 assists and shot 51.8% from the field, providing him his second straight All-Star Game appearance. Jokic guided the Nuggets back to the playoffs with an overall record of 46-27, good for third in the Western Conference. After defeating the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers in the first two rounds of the playoffs, the Nuggets fell in the Western Conference Finals for the second straight season.
Jokic's third most valuable card derives from 2015 Panini Select, also viewed as his most coveted card from the set. Jokic's Premier Silver Prizms rookie card is one of his most populated rookie cards, and although it may not be serial-numbered, it's one of his most condition-sensitive rookie cards.
Jokic once again steered the Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals behind 24.4 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists and continuing his shooting prowess including drilling 51.9% from the field in the playoffs. When the season concluded, Jokic earned a spot on the All-NBA Second Team, cementing Jokic's status among the NBA's most prominent players, effectively improving the significance of his 2015 Panini Select Silver Prizms rookie card.
#2
2015 Panini Immaculate Collection Nikola Jokic Autographed Patch RC #133 #'d/99
Recent sale: $3,300
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The 2020-21 NBA season belonged to Nikola Jokic and his astonishing performances throughout the season. Jokic nearly averaged a triple-double in his historic 2020-21 season, registering a stat line of 26.4 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game while shooting a career-best 56.6% from the field and 86.8% from the free-throw line. In 72 games, Jokic recorded 60-double-doubles, including 16 triple-doubles en route to leading the Nuggets to a 47-25 record, and again the third seed in the Western Conference. This time as a starter, Nikola Jokic made his third straight All-Star Game appearance and was selected to the 2021 All-NBA First Team. After receiving 91% of the first-place votes, Nikola Jokic took home the 2020-21 NBA MVP Award, becoming the NBA's first center to earn basketball's highest honor since Shaquille O'Neal's 1999-00 season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
The second most valuable Nikola Jokic basketball card is from 2015-16 Panini Immaculate, issued to collectors on September 14, 2016. Jokic's Rookie Patch Autograph rookie card is serial-numbered to 99 cards and features the second-lowest population on the list with only 13 cards. Of the four cards graded by PSA and the nine cards graded by BGS, the highest-graded cards received a PSA 9 with a population of three and a BGS 9.5, with a population of one.
As the Denver Nuggets selected Jokic with the 41st overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, he's officially the lowest selected player in NBA history to seize the NBA MVP Award. Jokic's 2020-21 NBA season demonstrated that he's one of the most noteworthy international players in NBA history, and the value of his RPA from 2015-16 Panini Immaculate has followed suit.
#1
2015 Panini Prizm Nikola Jokic Purple Prizms RC #335 #'d/99
Recent sale: $15,000
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In case you assumed Jokic would decline the year after earning MVP honors, he's currently on a mission to capture the league's loftiest award for the second straight season. Through his first 22 games in the 2021-22 NBA season, Jokic is recording a career-high in points (26.5), rebounds (13.8), and field goal percentage (58.4%). In 22 contests, Jokic has 19 double-doubles and five triple-doubles, giving him 62 career triple-doubles, tied for 7th most all-time.
Nikola Jokic's most valuable rookie card originates from the 2015-16 Panini Prizm basketball set. Jokic's Purple Prizms rookie card is one of the most limited parallels of the set, serial-numbered to 99 copies. Thus far, Jokic's Purple Prizms rookie card is one of the most condition sensitive of his rookie cards. PSA's population report offers 41 total cards, with seven obtaining a PSA 10, while none of the 30 cards graded by BGS achieved a BGS 10.
Jokic currently has the fourth-highest odds to capture the 2021-22 NBA MVP Award, behind just Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Should Jokic go on to win his second MVP Award, he would become only the 3rd international player to win multiple NBA MVP Awards, along with Steve Nash and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jokic is already a lock to be a Western Conference All-Star starter for the second straight year, positively influencing the worth of his Purple Prizms rookie card from 2015-16 Panini Prizm.
The International Sensation Has Only Just Begun
From his stint playing professional basketball in Serbia to representing the Serbian national team and bursting on the scene in the NBA, Nikola Jokic is a generational talent who is one of the most dominant basketball players in the league. Not only is Jokic one of the most talented international players to excel in the NBA, but he's also on track to be one of the greatest centers in league history. In just his 7th season, Jokic has 62 triple-doubles, just 16 shy of Wilt Chamberlain's 78, who has the 6th most in NBA history.
After earning three straight All-Star Game appearances, and an NBA MVP award in the 2020-21 season, Nikola Jokic has his sights on capturing another place in the upcoming 2022 NBA All-Star Game after posting even more remarkable stats than his MVP season last year. As Jokic continues playing at a noteworthy level, the worth of his rookie cards from the 2015-16 season can attain unprecedented values.
