When it comes to NBA teams stacked with high-profile household names, the Milwaukee Bucks are probably not at the top of your list. The Bucks are not renowned for dealing with high-profile players, instead focusing on low-profile team-based players, which lead to better teamwork and cohesion.
However, that all changed almost a decade ago after signing Giannis Antetokounmpo. Aside from having one of the most difficult names to spell in the league, he has become one of the most popular with the Bucks and NBA fans.
The Athens-born forward has become one of the leading players for the Bucks and in the league, and his dominant style of play has led to him gaining many admirers.
Due to his excellent numbers over the past decade and his popularity, Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie cards are in high demand.
Here, we examine the top 27 rookie cards you should consider adding to your collection. Below you will find our top picks from each of the seven categories discussed in this article.
- Most Popular: 2013 Prizm #290
- Budget: 2013 SP Authentic #36
- Autograph: 2013 Prizm Autograph #33
- Relic: 2013 Panini Titanium Rookie Patch
- RPA: 2013 National Treasures RPA
- Rare Insert: 2013 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection
- Other: 2013 Panini Totally Certified #236
Most Popular Giannis Antetokounmpo Rookie Cards
The “Most Popular” rookie card category includes cards most commonly searched for on Google and transacted on eBay. These cards are likely to be collectible long-term.
1. Giannis Antetokounmpo Prizm Rookie Card #290 (Shop on eBay)
First on the list, and by far one of the most popular Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie cards, is the 2013 Prizm rookie card.
As with every player, the Prizm brand is the most popular and sought-after rookie card brand, and this card is frequently bought and sold on eBay.
When you combine the popularity of Prizm and Antetokounmpo, it is not hard to see why this card is so popular.
There are certainly rarer cards on this list or cards that cost more, but Prizm rookie cards are always a solid choice.
Popular parallels of this card include:
As of January 2022, there are 2,685 PSA 10 cards and the PSA 10 card value is ~$1,450.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo Select Rookie Card #178 (Shop on eBay)
Not only are Select rookie cards highly popular, but they are also unique when compared to other rookie cards that have made this list. This is because the Select brand doesn’t just provide you with one base set rookie card to chase down.
There are three base cards to pick from. Each one is rarer than the last.
Because of the limited print counts, each of the base set options is less available than the other, which adds to how desired they are.
In total, there are 1271 PSA 10’s in circulation. The most common base set is the Concourse base set, the Premier Level base set, and the Courtside base set rookie card.
As well as three different base sets, each of these base set cards also have their own set of parallels. Some of the most popular ones include:
As of January 2022, there are 1,271 PSA 10 cards and the card value is ~$800.
3. 2013 Giannis NBA Hoops Rookie Card #275 (Shop on eBay)
When you think about how much Giannis Antetokounmpo has grown in stature as the NBA seasons have passed, it shouldn’t be a surprise that there are many extremely popular rookie cards to choose from.
Since the pandemic, card trading and collection have increased, and the 2013 NBA Hoops Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie card is an excellent option.
The NBA Hoops rookie card is beautiful and depicts him with the ball behind his head, shielding it from a defender, looking to make a pass.
This rookie card is extremely popular with collectors and gets searched for frequently on Google and eBay.
There are various parallels for you to consider, including Gold and Red Back.
As of January 2022, there are 2,012 PSA 10 cards and the PSA 10 card value is ~$625.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Budget Rookie Cards
Budget” category cards provide good entry-level investment options. The cards are typically less expensive than the “Most Popular” cards but remain relatively popular.
4. 2013 Giannis SP Authentic #36 (Shop on eBay)
The first budget Giannis rookie card to feature on this list is the 2013 SP Authentic rookie card. This card is relatively cheap compared to others on this list because the image does not show Giannis in his Bucks jersey.
However, what this card lacks in NBA features, it makes up for in clean, crisp features. In the top right-hand corner of the card, you can see the stylish SP Authentic logo.
Under the image, the card shows off Antetokounmpo’s full name, along with the Greek flag, which is a nice touch.
While many cards are quick to include the Milwaukee Bucks logo, it is nice to see a card referencing his roots.
As of January 2022, there are 2,225 PSA 10 cards and the card value is ~$175.
Upper Deck also included the SP Rookie FX #91 Giannis rookie card in the same set.
5. 2013 Giannis Panini Rookie Card #194 (Shop on eBay)
I love the 2013 Panini #194 rookie card. It got designed in a style that perfectly suits traditional cards, and this style has many collectors clamoring to add it to their collection.
The card has a mark in the bottom left corner of “13”, and the bottom right corner reads “14” to mark the 2013-14 NBA season.
It also shows off the iconic rookie card logo in the top right-hand corner.
The main focus of this card is Giannis, as it shows an action shot of him dribbling the ball for the Bucks. You can see the determination and focus in his face as he looks to set up another scoring opportunity for his team.
With only 487 known PSA 10 versions of this card, it will be hard to get your hands on it. As recently as January 2022, a PSA 10 version sold for $400.
6. 2013 Fleer Retro #47 (Shop on eBay)
The final budget rookie option to feature on this list is the 2013 Fleer Retro Gianni rookie card. As you would expect from a budget card, the style of this card is basic, focusing primarily on a very young-looking Giannis shielding the ball from a defender.
One of the reasons this card tends to be less valuable than others on this list is because the card does not show Gianni in his NBA jersey.
Underneath the picture of Gianni in his red #4 jersey sits the Fleer Retro Rookie logo, Giannis’ name, and his nationality and preferred position.
The Fleer Retro range does a great job of using a design that makes the card seem as though it got designed in a previous era.
There are 619 PSA 10 versions of this card, 141 PSA 10 versions of the 2013 Fleer Retro ’95 Ultra #208, and 47 PSA 10 versions of the 2013 Fleer Retro Fleer Metal Universe #252.
In January 2022, a PSA 10 of this card sold for $180.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Autograph Rookie Cards
The “Autograph” rookie card category includes signed basketball cards. This category excludes rookie patch auto (RPA) cards because those cards feature in a subsequent section.
7. 2013 Prizm Autograph #33 (Shop on eBay)
The first autograph rookie card to feature is the 2013 Prizm Giannis Antetokounmpo Autograph rookie card.
The Prizm brand falls under the Panini umbrella and immediately brings popularity and the eye of many collectors.
What is also striking about this card is the image that they have chosen to use. Giannis almost seems to be looking straight down the camera lens, as he is in action for the Milwaukee Bucks. Below the image of Giannis in action sits his signature, which is one of the main reasons this card is so valuable.
You can also spot the iconic rookie card logo in the top left-hand corner.
In 2021, a PSA 10 blue prizm of this card sold for more than $25,000. Be warned. There are only 64 known PSA 10’s to try and find.
8. 2013 SP Authentic #36 Autograph (Shop on eBay)
Similar to the 2013 SP Authentic #36 that does not include Giannis’ autograph, I like that SP decided to include the Greek national flag as part of this card.
Not only that, but the 2013 SP Authentic Autograph also features Giannis’ signature, just above the flag, and the famous SP Authentic logo in the top right-hand corner of the card.
If you are interested in adding a Giannis Antetokounmpu Autograph to your collection but cannot afford to buy the Prizm version, this card might be a better option.
Here, Giannis’ is shown not in his NBA jersey, and the SP Authentic brand is not as big as the Prizm brand, which means this card is a little cheaper to buy.
As of January 2022, there are only 12 PSA 10 cards and the PSA 10 card value is ~$3,000.
9. 2013 Fleer Retro #47 Autograph (Shop on eBay)
Another card brand that makes its second appearance is the 2013 Fleer Retro series. This rookie card is a throwback to how cards used to look many years ago, and many collectors love the style of the Fleer Retro brand.
Unlike the 2013 Fleer Retro rookie we have already talked about in this list, this rookie card contains Giannis’ autograph, adding significant value.
As with other Fleer Retro rookie cards, Giannis is not in his NBA Bucks jersey, and the Fleer Retro Rookie logo sits directly below the image and autograph.
There are 16 PSA 10’s in circulation, and one sold for $1,300 in January 2022.
10-12. Other 2013 Giannis Antetokounmpo Autograph Rookie Cards
10. 2013 Court Kings Autograph (Shop on eBay): Collectors/investors will find a few different variations of the 2013 Court Kings Giannis Auto. The one featured in the image has a green/black background and features the words “Fresh Paint” just over his left shoulder.
11. 2013 Panini Signatures (Shop on eBay): The 2013 Panini Signatures Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie is another that falls under the Panini brand. It is an excellent autograph option for your collection.
12. 2013 Preferred Crown Royale Autograph (Shop on eBay): The Preferred Crown Royal Autograph series are well-known for their unique card style, shaped in the form of a crown. For the right collector, this card has a high value.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Relic Rookie Cards
The “Relic/Patch” rookie card category includes relic/jersey/patch cards. This category excludes rookie patch auto (RPA) cards because those cards are featured in a subsequent section
13. 2013 Panini Titanium Rookie Patch (Shop on eBay)
The 2013 Panini Titanium Rookie Patch is one of the cleanest, smartest Giannis Relic rookie cards you can collect.
The design of this card is stunning, and despite opting for a minimalistic style, it still manages to pack a lot of detail onto one card.
The first thing that catches your eye is the image. The Titanium rookie patch shows Giannis in mid-air, attempting a slam dunk for the Bucks.
The Titanium Rookie name sits in the bottom right-hand corner, with the relic right on top of it, sporting the Bucks logo.
This card will be a great choice if you want to add a stylish, highly sought-after relic Giannis rookie card to your roster.
14-15. Other 2013 Giannis Antetokounmpo Relic Rookie Cards
14. 2013 Spectra Relic (Shop on eBay): The Spectra brand is well known for its infamous Color Blast sets, but they also offer an excellent Relic alternative for you to get your hands on.
15. 2013 Pinnacle Upstarts Relic/Patch #12 (Shop on eBay): If you are still looking for a Giannis Antetokounmpo relic rookie that would perfectly add to your collection, be sure to consider the 2013 Pinnacle Upstarts Relic.
Giannis Antetokounmpo RPA Cards
The “RPA” rookie card category includes rookie patch autograph (RPA) cards. This category includes some of the most highly sought-after and expensive rookie cards.
16. 2013 Giannis Antetokounmpo National Treasures RPA (Shop on eBay)
Since its inception, National Treasures has become one of the leading rookie card brands. The National Treasures RPA collection is one of the most popular and stylish options any collector can add to their portfolio.
This 2013 National Treasures RPA contains a shot of Giannis in action, dribbling the ball up the court. Below that sits a jersey patch from his rookie season in the NBA.
Finally, his autograph is below the patch, all laid out on a crisp, white background that gives the card a modern look and feel. This is one of the few on-card Giannis rookie card autographs.
17. 2013 Giannis Antetokounmpo Immaculate RPA (Shop on eBay)
Since its inception, the Immaculate brand has become one of the top brands for rookie patch autograph cards. Pleasingly, this is no different for the 2013 Immaculate Giannis Antetokounmpo RPA.
Just by glancing at this card, you can appreciate its beauty and style. The team behind the Immaculate brand has done a fantastic job merging the colors of the Bucks white jersey and their brand colors.
The card shows Giannis with the ball in his hands, looking to make a play for the Bucks and score another two or three points for the team.
To the center-left of the card sits the rookie patch from his first season with the bucks, and below that is his signature.
All of this culminates into a clean, stylish, and desirable rookie card.
18. 2013 Giannis Antetokounmpo Select RPA (Shop on eBay)
If you are a fan of landscape rookie cards and want to add a landscape Giannis rookie card to your collection, the 2013 Select Giannis RPA might be a good option.
The 2013 Select RPA card shows Giannis poised with the ball, looking to make a defense-splitting pass for the Bucks. The picture is situated on the right-hand side of the card, whereas the Select brand, patch, and autograph are all on the left-hand side.
The Bucks logo is in the front and center of the card, not to mention the iconic RC rookie icon displayed in the top right-hand corner.
19-21. Other 2013 Giannis Antetokounmpo RPA Cards
RPA cards are some of the most popular with collectors with deep pockets. Check out these other Giannis Antetokounmpo RPA’s below.
19. 2013 Spectra RPA (Shop on eBay): If you want to get your hands on a classic, traditional Giannis Antetokounmpo RPA, the 2013 Spectra RPA is a great choice.
20. 2013 Gold Standard RPA (Shop on eBay): The 2013 Gold Standard RPA rookie card is one of the best RPA cards you can choose. As you would expect from the name, expect to pay a large fee to secure it.
21. 2013 Timeless Treasures RPA (Shop on eBay): The Timeless Treasures brand is a widely respected and popular brand with collectors worldwide. The 2013 Timeless Treasures RPA would fit nicely into almost any collection.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Rare Rookie Cards
The “Rare” rookie card category includes rare and highly sought-after rookie cards. The cards on this list will be among the most expensive rookie cards available.
22. 2013 Giannis Upper Deck Exquisite Collection (Shop on eBay)
Upper Deck has established itself as one of the leading rookie card brands, and because of that, collectors are often searching for Upper Deck rookie cards.
This popularity is no different for the 2013 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie card.
This card is extremely stylish, with a unique background style and the crisp exquisite logo in the top left-hand corner of the card.
As of January 2022, there are only 5 PSA 10 versions of this card.
23. 2013 Select Red Hot #34 (Shop on eBay)
As a collector myself, I am always interested in cards that have a unique look and feel, and that is certainly the case for the 2013 Select Red Hot Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie card.
For starters, the “RED HOT” brand is bold, eye-catching, and takes up the entire footer of the card.
The Select brand name and logo feature in the top left and top right cards are there, but they don’t take focus away from the striking image and prominent red hot branding.
For the right collector, this card could be an excellent addition.
24. 2013 Giannis Flawless Rookie Card #99 (Shop on eBay)
As any NBA fan knows, Giannis Antetokounmpo is a high-profile and extremely popular player in the NBA. The Greek forward has many fans worldwide and has become a serious threat to defenses in the NBA.
One of the best rare insert Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie cards you should think about adding to your collection is the 2013 Flawless rookie card.
The Flawless brand is often highly sought-after, even more so regarding an elite player like Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The print run on this card is limited, though, so be prepared to pay a pretty hefty price tag to secure this card in your collection.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Other Rookie Cards
The “Other” rookie card category includes less popular rookie cards. These cards are sought-after by select collectors and investors.
25. 2013 Panini Totally Certified #236 (Shop on eBay)
One of the best parts of the 2013 Panini Totally Certified range is the clarity of the imagery, and there are no better examples of this than with the 2013 Panini Totally Certified Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie card.
The card depicts the iconic Rookie logo in the top right-hand corner, which many collectors keep an eye out for. It also has the Totally Certified Logo in the center-bottom of the card. But the main eye-catching feature of this card is the image itself. The image has been sharpened and shows Giannis with the ball, looking towards the basket.
A PSA 10 sold for $525 last November, and to date, there are only 79 PSA 10’s to choose from.
26-27. Other 2013 Giannis Antetokounmpo Rookie Cards
26. 2013 Panini Pinnacle #5: (Shop on eBay): Another excellent option for your collection is the 2013 Panini Pinnacle Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie card. There are 103 PSA 10s in total, with one selling for $450 in November 2021.
27. 2013 Panini Crusade #61: (Shop on eBay): The final card on this list would be an excellent addition to any collection. Traditional and modern collectors find this card desirable, and it is a popular choice.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Rookie Card Risk and Upside Analysis
Note: please keep in mind that all sports card investments carry risk, and you should always complete your own analysis prior to investing in sports cards.
As of the 2021-22 NBA season, we classify Giannis rookie cards as Low Risk with Low–Moderate Upside potential. Giannis is in his 9th NBA season and has already established himself as a Hall of Fame caliber player. He is a 6x All-Star, 2x MVP, 4x All-Defensive Team, and 2021 NBA Champion. And Giannis is still only 27 years old which means he has many more years of accomplishments ahead. Due to this impressive list of accomplishments and opportunity for more, we believe Giannis Antetokounmpo rookie cards carry Low Risk.
Do Giannis rookie cards have upside potential? We think the answer is yes, but Giannis will need to continue to reach new career milestones before his card values increase. Giannis’ rookie cards have relatively low pop count compared to Luka Doncic rookie cards and similar young NBA stars. In addition, Giannis is still only 27 years old with plenty of NBA seasons ahead of him. Both of those factors contribute to the potential for further increases in card values. That said, his rookie card values are already high, so hard to imagine a significant move in value. As a result, we feel his rookie cards have Low-Moderate Upside potential.
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