If you were lurking in the card market back in 2021, you probably remember the absolute fever dream that was the Ja Morant rookie card craze. People weren't just buying; they were FOMO-ing into five-figure prices for cards that are now selling for the price of a decent dinner in Memphis. It was wild. He was the next coming of Allen Iverson with a Derrick Rose vertical.
Then came the suspensions. Then the injuries.
Honestly, looking at the charts today feels a bit like looking at a post-apocalyptic landscape. But here’s the thing about the hobby: blood in the streets usually means opportunity for the people who aren't afraid of a little risk. Whether you’re a Grizz fan or just a degenerate looking for a bounce-back play, the current state of Ja’s market is one of the most fascinating case studies in sports card history.
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The Brutal Reality of the Ja Morant Rookie Card Market in 2026
Let’s get the ugly stuff out of the way first. If you bought a 2019 Panini Prizm Silver Ja Morant PSA 10 at the peak, I’m sorry. You’re likely down more than 90%. Back in early 2023, that card was comfortably trading for $1,800. Fast forward to early 2026, and you can snag one for roughly $225 to $250.
It gets worse for the base stuff. The standard Prizm #249 base RC in a PSA 10—once a $500 staple—is now hovering between $25 and $30.
Why the crater? It’s a mix of three things:
- The Overpopulation: There are over 22,000 PSA 10 copies of the base Prizm rookie. In a world where scarcity drives value, that’s a massive "pop" to overcome.
- The "Headache" Factor: Multiple gun-related suspensions and off-court drama turned away the institutional "investor" money that prefers "safe" stars like Giannis or Steph.
- Availability: Ja has missed a massive chunk of games over the last three seasons. As of late 2025, executives were literally comparing him to Derrick Rose and John Wall—superstars whose bodies gave out before they could reach legendary status.
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Dip"
Most collectors see a falling knife and run. That’s smart 90% of the time. But the narrative that Ja Morant is "washed" or "done" feels a bit premature. He’s only 26.
The Grizzlies have remained incredibly loyal. He has the logo tattooed on his back. While the media paints a picture of a guy on his way out, the actual on-court talent hasn't vanished—it’s just been sidelined. When he does play, the highlights still break the internet. In the card world, highlights sell.
If you're looking for the high-end "grails," the National Treasures RPA (Rookie Patch Auto) /99 is still the king. Even with the market slump, a BGS 9/10 Auto recently moved for about $14,500. It’s a far cry from the six-figure dreams of 2021, but it proves that the elite collectors haven't completely abandoned ship. They’ve just become way more selective.
The "Young Dolph" Card: A Weird Cultural Pivot
If you want a ja morant rookie card with a bit more soul than a shiny Prizm, you have to look at the 2019-20 Panini Chronicles #116.
It’s often called the "Young Dolph" card. Why? Because the late Memphis rap legend is visible in the background, sitting courtside. After Dolph’s tragic passing, this card took on a life of its own. It’s not just a basketball card; it’s a piece of Memphis culture.
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Currently, you can pick up a PSA 10 of this card for under $200, while a PSA 8 is sitting around $60. It’s a low-entry way to own a card that has "story" value, which often holds up better than "speculation" value when a player is struggling.
Evaluating the Top Targets
If you're actually going to buy right now, don't just grab the first thing you see on eBay. You’ve got to be smart about the "tier" you're entering.
- The Blue Chip: Donruss Optic Rated Rookie Holo. It’s cleaner than Prizm and has a much lower population. If the market recovers, the Optic Holo usually leads the charge.
- The Rare Bird: Select Courtside. This is the "true" short print of the retail/hobby mix. It’s much harder to find in a PSA 10 than the Prizm base.
- The Gamble: Genesis Mosaic. No numbering, but the "case hit" status makes it a favorite for those who like the "wow" factor.
Is it a Buy or a Goodbye?
The "East Executive" quoted in recent reports calling Ja "injury prone and a pain in the ass" represents the floor of his value. You are buying at the point of maximum pessimism.
If Ja comes back, stays healthy for 65 games, and leads Memphis to a deep playoff run, these $25 base cards will double overnight. That doesn't mean they'll ever hit $500 again—the "junk wax 2.0" era of 2020-2021 is over—but the path to a 2x or 3x return is much clearer now than it was two years ago.
However, if the calf strains and labrum tears continue, he becomes a "what if" story. And "what if" stories don't pay the bills in the hobby.
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Actionable Next Steps for Collectors
Stop looking at the 2021 prices. They are irrelevant. That money is gone.
If you're looking to pick up a ja morant rookie card today, focus on On-Card Autographs or Low-Numbered Prizm Parallels (think /99 or less). The base card market is too saturated to ever truly "moon" again. Look for the 2019 Panini Contenders Rookie Ticket. It's an iconic design, the autograph is on the card, and it has built-in scarcity that the mass-produced Prizm stuff lacks.
Check the "Sold" listings on 130Point or eBay daily. We've seen some Silver Prizms dip as low as $150 in mid-2025 before a slight "bounce" to $225. If you can catch the panic-sellers during a week where he’s out with a minor injury, that's your window.
Buy the player, not the hype. If you still believe in the talent, the entry price has never been better. If you’re just looking for a quick flip, you might want to look at the 2025-26 Topps Chrome rookies instead. Ja is a long game now.