Is Ace Bailey a Hidden Gem?

NBA Season Kicks Off with Excitement and New Collectibles

The NBA season has officially begun, marking a thrilling time for fans and collectors alike. With star players like Kevin Durant making their first starts for new teams and exciting rookies making their debut, the anticipation is high. In line with this excitement, Topps released its first officially licensed NBA product since 2009. This collection features autograph cards of big-name veterans such as Steph Curry and Victor Wenbanyama, as well as promising rookies like first overall pick Copper Flagg. Among these newcomers is Jazz rookie forward Ace Bailey, who is generating some interest but not as much as expected.

A Rising Star with a Unique Draft Story

Ace Bailey was one of the top prospects in the 2025 NBA draft, with some analysts ranking him just behind Copper Flagg. However, his pre-draft process was anything but smooth. Unlike other top draft picks, Bailey refused to take individual workouts or meetings with teams, which reportedly caused some tension. His team had hoped he would join a team where he could be the clear number one option. Despite this, the Utah Jazz ended up selecting Bailey fifth overall, even though they weren't his preferred destination.

Strong Performance in Summer League and Preseason

Since being drafted by the Jazz, Bailey has reported without any issues and participated in all of the Jazz's Summer League games. His performance during the summer league and preseason has been impressive, showcasing his potential. These results should have excited collectors about his future in the NBA.

A Tepid Hobby Market for Ace Bailey

However, as the season started, Bailey's hobby market has been more subdued than expected. His rookie base autographs are currently selling for around $180-$200, which is respectable but significantly lower than those of Dylan Harper, a former Rutgers teammate and current Spurs rookie, whose autos sell for $300 and above. Additionally, the Jazz spot sells for approximately $110 for hobby cases and $145-$150 for jumbo breaks.

Why Is Ace Bailey's Market Lower?

The question remains: why is Bailey, who was equally hyped, selling for so much less? One possible reason is that collectors may have been turned off by the drama surrounding his draft process, even though he has since moved on from his previous management team and has not caused any issues. Being drafted by the Jazz might have affected his market, although this doesn't seem to impact NBA rookies as much as it does MLB rookies.

An Opportunity for Collectors

Despite the current lower market value, Ace Bailey still has a lot of potential. For collectors looking for an opportunity, acquiring his cards now could prove to be a wise investment if he reaches his full potential in the NBA. The current market presents an excellent buyers' market, and those who act quickly may reap the rewards in the future.