We’re doing things a little differently this time at UB Breaks. Instead of only talking about cards that cost a ton of money, I’m breaking my picks into low, mid, and high tiers. Everyone should be able to get involved without spending their whole bank account on one card.
These are the players I’m watching heading into the season and why I like them. The tiers are based on the kinds of cards I’d target, because every player has cheap cards and expensive ones.
Low Tier
Washington Wizards
Honestly, I like buying into the Wizards as a whole. With Trae Young, Deandre Ayton, AD, and the depth around them, I think this team could have a crazy year. Washington hasn’t been a team people get excited about in the hobby, but I think that could change. I’m especially interested in the cheaper cards of their young players. If this team starts winning, more people are going to pay attention.
Egor Demin
Demin is another player I’m watching. I think he’s due for a breakout year with the Nets, and I like getting into a young player before everyone starts talking about him. He doesn’t need to become a superstar overnight for me to like the opportunity here. A bigger role and a noticeable step forward would give collectors a reason to take another look.
Ryan Rollins
The Bucks probably aren’t going to be good without Giannis, but that’s part of why I like Rollins. Someone has to step up, and I think he can be that guy. With more opportunity and role players around him, I’m expecting him to build on last season. This is one where I’m buying into the player more than the team.
Mid Tier
Kon Knueppel
Kon was right there with Cooper Flagg in the Rookie of the Year race, but I still think he got overshadowed in the hobby. When I’m looking at comparable cards, I like the gap between what I’d spend on Kon and what I’d spend on Flagg. With LaMelo gone, I’m expecting Kon to get even more attention. He’s one of my favorite picks for a spike this season.
Ace Bailey
I think the Jazz are going to look nice. Adding Darryn Peterson gives their young core another piece, and I like where this rebuild is heading. Ace is a big part of why I’m interested. Utah has been rebuilding since moving on from Donovan Mitchell, and I think we’re getting closer to seeing that young talent come together.
VJ Edgecombe
VJ’s cheaper unlicensed autos are what I’m watching here. Yes, they’re unlicensed, but it’s still an autograph of a player I think has a lot of upside. If you want an auto without spending what some of the other young names cost, this is an option I like. Just make sure you know which product you’re buying. Personally, I’d rather start looking now than wait until he has a big stretch and everyone wants in.
Matas Buzelis
Buzelis took a step forward last year, and I think he’s going to get even better. Him and Caleb Wilson in the frontcourt could be an issue. I like the young talent Chicago is putting together, and Matas is someone I want to keep watching before another jump brings more attention to his cards.
Payton Pritchard
Pritchard is another guy I like in this tier. I think his scoring and shooting could bring him more attention in the hobby this season. He’s someone I’d look at when I want to buy outside the biggest names. If he puts together some big games and gets people talking, I think there’s room for his cards to move. I’d be watching his autos and numbered cards for the right deal.
High Tier
Luka Dončić
I’m calling it: I think Luka wins MVP this season. I like the direction of the Lakers and the chemistry they’re building around him. It reminds me of the idea behind his 2024 Finals team: let Luka run the offense, give him another star, and surround them with role players who fit. His cards already have a big market, but an MVP season would give collectors another reason to chase him.
Victor Wembanyama
Wemby is out for blood this year. After that Finals loss to the Knicks, I’m expecting him to come back with something to prove. San Antonio is going to get plenty of attention, and I think he’ll be right in the middle of it. His stuff is already expensive, so I’m being picky about the card and the price, but he’s still someone I want to buy into for the right deal.
Anthony Edwards
The Wolves are going to be filthy this year. Adding LaMelo Ball next to Ant gives them a backcourt I’m really excited to watch. Then you add Kuminga and the rest of the pieces around them, and I like what Minnesota is building. If they put together another deep run with Ant leading the way, I think his cards could get another push.
Those are my picks heading into the 2026–2027 season. I’m looking for opportunities at different budgets, but the card and the price still matter just as much as the player.
What do you all think? Who are you buying, and who did I leave off the list? Stay tuned for more content from UB Breaks, and let’s see how these picks look once the season gets going.