Since his move to the Dallas Mavericks on draft night, Luka Doncic has taken the NBA by storm. He is still one of the youngest players in the league, but he has already become one of the most dominant small forwards. He is one of the best players in the league and as a result, Luka Doncic rookie cards are among the most popular with collectors.
His accolades speak for themselves; he has won the 2019 Rookie of the Year award and made the All-Star team twice already.
Doncic played 72 games in his rookie year, averaging 21.2 points per game, six assists, and 7.8 total rebounds. Every time he gets on the court, he is a triple-double threat.
Given his incredible start to life in the NBA, it is no surprise that Luka Doncic’s rookie cards are highly sought after.
Here is a breakdown of the best Luka Doncic cards you should add to your collection.
In a rush? Here are our favorites from each of the categories included in this list:
- Most Popular: 2018 Prizm #280
- Budget: NBA Hoops Rookie Card #268
- Autograph: Contenders Rookie Ticket Autograph
- Relic: National Treasures Relic/Patch
- RPA: Panini Flawless RPA
- Rare Insert: Panini Cornerstones Downtown
- Other: 2016 Upper Deck EuroLeague Rainbow
Most Popular Luka Doncic 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. 2018 Luka Doncic Prizm #280 (Shop on eBay)
Easily one of the most popular Luka Doncic rookie cards, the 2018-19 Luka Doncic Prizm Rookie #280 is an excellent choice for any collector and is the first card to make this list.
Since Prizm makes this card, one of the most popular brands of NBA cards, this Doncic rookie card is often viewed as a must-have by collectors.
Sure, other cards on this list could be rarer or have a higher value, but Prizm cards have always been extremely popular with collectors.
As such, Prizm rookie cards are one of the most searched for basketball card terms on Google, and these rookie cards are often sold on eBay.
With that in mind and the relatively fair price tag, this Doncic rookie is an excellent choice for collectors.
Popular parallels of this card include:
2. 2018 Donruss Optic Rated Rookie #177 (Shop on eBay)
Another sought-after Luka Doncic rookie card many collectors are clamoring for is the Luka Doncic 2018-19 Donruss Optic Rated rookie card.
The Donruss Optic NBA brand is also highly popular with rookie card collectors, and it is often searched for on eBay.
When you combine the popularity of the Donruss Optic NBA brand with the popularity of Luka Doncic, you know that the rookie card is sure to be a popular one.
Collectors know what to expect with Donruss rookie cards, always made of high-quality materials and containing a glossy finish.
This rookie card also sports the traditional and popular iconic “Rated Rookie” logo, which many collectors admire.
There are also parallel options, such as:
3. 2018 Luka Doncic Select Rookie Card (Shop on eBay)
Select rookie cards are unique compared to other Luka Doncic rookie cards on this list. I say that because Select doesn’t just offer collectors one base set rookie card. They offer three, each one rarer than the last.
Due to limited print counts, each base set is less available than the last. That makes them even more desired by other rookie card collectors.
The most common and easiest to get your hands on is the Concourse base set Luka Doncic rookie. Following that is the Premier level base set Luka Doncic rookie, and the rarest base set is the Courtside Luka Doncic rookie.
On top of the fact that each of these cards offers card collectors plenty of choices, each base set also has its unique parallels.
You can find blue retail parallels in retail packs and silver parallels in hobby packs.
Interesting fact: Select boasts three levels which are progressively lower print count:
4. 2018 Prizm Mosaic Luka Doncic #68 (Shop on eBay)
I love the 2018-19 Luka Doncic Mosiac card, and many collectors agree, all trying to add it to their collection.
I like this card because it offers collectors a card containing a beautiful chromium finish that is unique to this card. You can find it in any retail, hobby, or international box.
As you would expect, because you can find this card in various boxes, there are also many parallels to pick from. You might think that because of many different parallels, they would be easy to purchase, but that is not the case due to the limited print numbers.
You can find exclusive rookie variants of the Luka Doncic card in fast-break boxes alongside exclusive parallels. These parallels are Mosiac Gold (#/10), Mosaic White (#/25), and Mosiac Black (1/1).
Budget Luka Doncic 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.
5. NBA Hoops Luka Doncic Rookie #268 (Shop on eBay)
When you consider how excellent Luka Doncic was in his first full season in the NBA, it should come as no surprise that many Luka Doncic rookie cards are highly sought after. Collectors worldwide are constantly searching for Luka Doncic rookie cards to add to their collection.
Card trading and collection have seen a significant uprise in popularity in recent years, and the 2018-19 NBA Hoops Luka Doncic rookie card is a brilliant choice for your collection.
The NBA Hoops Luka Doncic rookie card is aesthetically stunning and shows him dribbling the ball up the court for the Dallas Mavericks.
This rookie card is very popular with other investors and collectors but is not searched for as much as other cards within the Most Popular category of this list.
If you like a card that has a traditional look and feel, this NBA Hoops Luka Doncic rookie card is an excellent choice.
6. Donruss Rated Rookie Luka Doncic #177 (Shop on eBay)
Another great option for a limited budget is the 2018-19 Luka Doncic Donruss Rated Rookie. The rookie card was one of the first rookie cards released that showed Luka Doncic in his Dallas Mavericks jersey.
For keen card collectors, the Luka Doncic Donruss Rated Rookie is one of the top choices and one you should think about including in your collection.
On top of the beautiful base set, the Donruss Rated choice pack also includes exclusive choice parallels, and the hobby pack has exclusive laser parallels.
The base card variant shows Doncic dribbling the ball up the court for the Dallas Mavericks.
7. 2018 Luka Doncic Revolution #128 (Shop on eBay)
Some collectors are seeking unique cards and provide them with a card that stands out compared to other rookie cards. Others seek traditional card styles, such as the NBA Hoops rookie cards. The 2018-19 Panini Revolution Luka Doncic rookie card splits collectors down the middle.
If you are the first type of collector that craves striking unique designs, then the 2018-19 Luka Doncic Revolution Rookie card is a great option.
Panini Revolution provides their customers with unique background, with Luka Doncic dribbling the ball in the center.
In total, this set includes more than ten parallels of the base rookie card, including:
- Astro Revolution #128
- Fractal Revolution #128 (Rare!)
- Groove Revolution #128 (Rare!)
8. 2018 Luka Doncic Chronicles #71 (Shop on eBay)
I adore the 2018-19 Luka Doncic Chronicles rookie card as a huge sports journalism fan.
In this card, Luka Doncic shields the ball from a defender, keeping it mobile to prevent a steal. All the while, he is likely planning his route to the basket, on the way to scoring yet another two points for the Mavericks.
In the bottom right-hand corner, you can find Luka’s name and the Chronicles brand name alongside the trademark Chronicles logo in the bottom left.
The headline they have chosen for this card is a clever play on words, describing Doncic’s playstyle as that of a Maverick, which is also the name of the team he plays for.
Luka Doncic Autograph Rookie Cards
The “Autograph” rookie card category includes signed basketball cards. This category excludes rookie patch auto (RPA) cards because those cards are featured in a subsequent section
9. 2018 Luka Doncic Prizm Rookie Signatures (Shop on eBay)
The first Luka Doncic autograph rookie card you should think about purchasing for your card collection is the 2018-19 Luka Doncic Prizm Rookie Signature.
This card comes in the same set as the first card listed in this article, the 2018-19 Luka Doncic Prizm card, but it is rare due to the limited print run.
Because of how rare this card is and the fact that it contains Luka Doncic’s signature, it is much harder to get your hands on and costs much more.
Every Prizm hobby box has 22 prizms, ten inserts, and two autograph cards.
With there just being two autographs per box, your chances are slim for finding this card. Add to that the fact that Luka Doncic is a highly coveted rookie card, and it becomes even harder to find.
10. 2018 Contenders Rookie Ticket Auto (Shop on eBay)
The next card to consider adding to your growing collection is the 2018-19 Panini Contenders Optic Rookie Ticket Autograph Luka Doncic rookie card.
If you like Luka Doncic rookie cards with a unique look, then this autograph rookie could be a great choice.
The 2018-19 Panini Contenders Optic Rookie Ticket Autograph Luka Doncic rookie card is unique for many reasons.
Firstly, unlike many cards on this list, Luka Doncic is not front and center. Instead, he is about to take a free throw on the right-hand side of the card.
Next to him is the trademark contender rookie ticket and underneath that is Luka Doncic’s signature.
Each hobby box only contains six cards, which are sure to be an autograph. However, while that may seem like you have a good chance of pulling this card, that is not the case.
Top-level rookies like Luka Doncic are very rare, and your chances of finding one naturally are slim.
11. 2018 Panini Noir Luka Doncic Autograph (Shop on eBay)
I am a big fan of the Panini Noir range, as they often test the boundaries of traditional card styles.
This Luka Doncic rookie card is no different. The 2018-19 Noir Luka Doncic Rookie Auto is a stunning card, using two images of Doncic rather than one.
The card shows Doncic running the ball up the court on the right-hand side of the card, and then a close-up shot of Doncic’s face on the left-hand side of the card. Above that sits Luka’s signature and the Noir signature.
Despite this card not being the most colorful, the minimalist style is still highly eye-catching and a great addition to any collection.
12-14. Other 2018 Luka Doncic Autographs (Shop on eBay)
Many other Luka Doncic rookie autograph cards exist. Here are a few honorable mentions.
12. 2018 Opulence Luka Doncic Rookie Autograph:
One of the rarest and best-looking Luka Doncic cards that attracts plenty of attention from collections worldwide.
13. 2018 Encased Luka Doncic Rookie Autograph:
Securely enclosed within a glass case, this Luka Doncic rookie autograph is sure to catch anyone’s eye.
14. 2018 Origins Luka Doncic Rookie Autograph:
As one of the most sought-after card brands, Origins are always popular with card collectors. This popularity is no different with the Luka Doncic Origins rookie autograph.
Luka Doncic Relic/Patch 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
15. 2018 Luka Doncic National Treasures Relic/Patch (Shop on eBay)
The National Treasures brand has quickly become one of the most sought-after rookie card brands, and for a good reason. The brand produces high-quality cards that look clean, sharp, and stunning.
So you can expect to spend a fair amount if you want to purchase the National Treasures Luka Doncic National Treasures Relic rookie card.
Due to the popularity of Doncic and National Treasures, when the two combine, you can be sure you are on to a winner.
This card will not be easy to get your hands on, but it will be a great addition to your collection if you do.
The card shows Luka shielding the ball from an opponent in his blue Mavericks journey. The card shows off the National Treasures logo as the card’s header and includes a relic rookie patch from Doncic’s first season in the NBA.
16-18. Other 2018 Luka Doncic Relic/Patch Cards (Shop on eBay)
There are so many Luka Doncic Relic/Patch cards for you to choose from. Here are a few others you might like.
16. Panini Prizm Sensational Swatches Relic Card
Panini Prizm is one of the most popular card brands in the market, so it should come as no surprise how popular the Luka Doncic Panini Prizm Sensational Swatches Relic Card is.
17. Panini Immaculate Jersey Relic/Patch Card
Immaculate cards get called that for a reason. If you purchase this card, expect to obtain an immaculate Luka Doncic rookie card to add to your collection.
18. Panini NBA Hoops Rise and Shine Patch Card
NBA Hoops is a staple for any traditional card collector. The Panini NBA Hoops Rise and Shine Luka Doncic Patch is no different and is a very popular choice.
Luka Doncic 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.
19. 2018 Luka Doncic National Treasures RPA (Shop on eBay)
Any National Treasures rookie card will take a basketball card collection to the next level. But when you find a National Treasures rookie card that also contains the stars’ autograph and patch, then you know you’re onto a winner.
That is why the 2018-19 Luka Doncic National Treasures RPA is a must-have for any collector that can afford it.
Ever since the brand got formed, National Treasures has grown into one of the game’s most highly anticipated card brands. They are now seen as one of the top card brands, known for design and quality.
It is hard to get your hands on high-caliber rookie cards like Luka Doncic. When it also includes an autograph and patch, it becomes even more elusive.
20. 2018 Luka Doncic Flawless RPA (Shop on eBay)
As one of the most popular players in the league, the pressure has been firmly placed on Luka Doncic’s shoulders since his draft into the league in 2018. Even though Doncic is still in his early 20’s, he has already shown everyone that he is a top player and is here to stay.
He seems to handle the pressure of being an elite NBA player and is well established as an essential player for the Mavericks.
One of the top rookie patch auto cards you should consider adding to your rookie card collection is the Luka Doncic Flawless RPA. It is one of the most expensive cards on this list, but that is because Flawless RPA’s of top rookie cards are highly sought-after, with limited print volumes.
The card contains a picture of Luka Doncic dribbling the ball up the court, a Mavericks rookie patch, and his autograph in a stunning landscape card.
21. 2018 Luka Doncic Impeccable RPA (Shop on eBay)
Another extremely popular rookie card brand is the Impeccable brand. This rookie card is one of my favorite Impeccable RPA’s of all time. The 2018-19 Luka Doncic Impeccable RPA is hard to find, so prepare yourself to pay top dollar to secure it as part of your collection.
The card shows off Luka Doncic in his Mavericks jersey on the left-hand side of the card. You can see a patch from his rookie season with the Mavericks on the right-hand side, and under that sits his signature, written in light blue.
22-28. Other 2018 Luka Doncic RPA Cards (Shop on eBay)
RPA cards are some of the most popular with collectors with deep pockets. Check out these other Luka Doncic RPA’s below.
22. 2018 Luka Doncic Immaculate RPA
You could do much worse than opting for the 2018-19 Luka Doncic Immaculate RPA. Don’t expect it to come cheaply, however.
23. 2018 Luka Doncic Opulence RPA
Opulence RPA’s are some of the most stylish on the circuit, and this style is no different for the 2018-19 Luka Doncic Opulence RPA rookie card.
If you like RPA cards that have a slightly different look and feel, the 2018-19 Luka Doncic Noir RPA is a great option. This card will be hard to get your hands on.
25. 2018 Luka Doncic Cornerstones RPA
Cornerstones is one of the most respected card brands in the market. The 2018-19 Luka Doncic Cornerstones RPA is an excellent choice for any collector.
26. 2018 Luka Doncic Encased RPA
Encased cards immediately demand attention. Add Doncic’s popularity and talent, and you have a great card for any investor or collector.
27. 2018 Luka Doncic Spectra RPA
The 2018-19 Luka Doncic Spectra RPA is another excellent choice for collectors. As with all RPA cards, this card will not be cheap.
28. 2018 Luka Doncic Crown Royale RPA
Crown Royal is unique in the rookie card world, with its trademark card shapes in the form of a crown.
Luka Doncic Rare Insert Rookie Cards
The “Rare Inserts” 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.
29. 2018 Court Kings #145, #177, #201 (Shop on eBay)
When it comes to collecting stylish and vibrant rookie cards that immediately grab people’s attention, the 2018-19 Luka Doncic Court Kings Levels 2-4 rookie cards are an excellent choice for any collection.
In some ways, these cards are significantly different from other Luka Doncic rookie cards. For example, there are multiple “Levels” in this rookie card series. The Luka Doncic Level 4 #201 card is the most rare and also the most expensive. In contrast the Luka Doncic Level 2 #145 card is the most common.
The Court Kings Levels 2-4 series is well known for its beautiful backgrounds, and this is no different when you look at the Luka Doncic variant.
Due to the stunning and unique design, many collectors covet these Luka Doncic Court Kings rookie cards.
30. 2018 Panini Cornerstones Downtown (Shop on eBay)
Downtown is another card brand that has become very popular with NBA card collectors worldwide. That opinion is no different with the 2018-19 Panini Cornerstones Downtown Luka Doncic. This rookie card is probably one of the most searched for Downtown cards of all time.
You can find this rookie card within the Panini Cornerstones set as one of the rare inserts, and this rookie card depicts Luka in action for the Dallas Mavericks.
The rookie card contains the Dallas Mavericks team name, a “Downtown” traffic sign, and a cartoon background.
Downtown inserts are very rare, not to mention that Doncic is a top-rated player, so expect to pay top dollar to get your hands on this card.
Other Luka Doncic Rookie Cards
The “Other” rookie card category includes less popular rookie cards. These cards are sought-after by select collectors and investors.
31-35. (A) Other Luka Doncic Rookie Cards
31. 2018 Luka Doncic Absolute Memorabilia #58
Despite not being as popular as some other cards on this list, the 2018-19 Luka Doncic Absolute Memorabilia rookie card is a good option for collectors.
32. 2018 Luka Doncic Certified #153
Certified cards may not be as sought-after as other brands like Prizm, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t stunning. Collectors can typically purchase a PSA 9 or 10 variation of this card for an affordable price.
33. 2018 Luka Doncic Obsidian #571
Another excellent choice for any collection is the Luka Doncic Obsidian. Obsidian cards often have a distinct look, which certain collectors love.
34. 2018 Luka Doncic Noir #169
The Noir brand is quickly becoming one of the most popular rookie card brands. The Luka Doncic Noir is sure to add value to any collection, but you will need to be willing to spend big to acquire this card.
35. 2018 Luka Doncic Court Kings #117
Court Kings rookie cards are always one you should look out for. While they are not as popular as other leading brands, these cards are a great addition.
36-40. (B) Other Luka Doncic Rookie Cards
36. 2018 Luka Doncic Crown Royale #63
Due to Crown Royale’s distinct card design, the Luka Doncic is an excellent option for your collection. Collectors/investors will also be happy to learn this is one of the more affordable Doncic rookie cards.
37. 2018 Luka Doncic Spectra #6
Spectra are one of the top rookie card brands for a reason, and the Luka Doncic Spectra rookie card is an excellent addition to any collection.
38. 2018 Luka Doncic Status #122
Status is one of the lesser-known rookie card brands, but they make up for what they lack in popularity in the design.
39. 2018 Luka Doncic Panini Threads #101
Panini Threads is not a major brand in rookie cards, but they have built a small select market. If you find the right collector, the Luka Doncic Panini Threads rookie card has quite a lot of value.
40. 2016-17 Luka Doncic Upper Deck Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Rainbow
If you are on the hunt for a card that shows Doncic playing for Real Madrid, the 2016-17 Upper Deck Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Rainbow rookie card is a great choice.
Luka Doncic 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 Luka Doncic’s rookie cards as Low Risk with Low to Moderate Upside potential. We believe there is little risk that Doncic will be a perennial NBA All-Star. Along with that, we expect Doncic to make multiple NBA Championship runs and be a Hall of Fame contender at the end of his career. As a result, we expect Doncic to be collectible long-term and therefore, there is likely relatively low risk in purchasing his rookie cards.
The idea that Doncic will be collectible long-term is shared by many collectors and investors. As a result, Doncic’s card prices are already high even for cards with very high pop counts (e.g., there are 18k+ PSA 10 Prizm Doncic rookie cards). Due to the fact that prices are already high, we believe Doncic’s rookie cards only have low to moderate upside moving forward.
>> Read How to Get Started with Sports Card Investing
How would you evaluate Luka Doncic’s card prices?
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