If you walked into a card shop in 2017 and asked for a Jarrett Allen rookie card, the guy behind the counter probably would’ve handed it to you for the price of a mid-tier sandwich. He was a lanky kid from Texas with a massive afro and a game that felt a decade too late for the "pace and space" era. Fast forward to 2026, and the narrative has shifted completely. Allen isn’t just a rim protector; he’s the defensive heartbeat of a contending Cleveland Cavaliers squad, and his market is finally reflecting that reality.
Investing in big men is historically a gamble. For every Shaq, there are twenty guys whose cards end up in the dollar bin because they don't sell jerseys or hit step-back threes. But Allen is different. He’s efficient. He’s consistent. Honestly, he’s the kind of player collectors eventually respect because he doesn’t have "bad" games.
The 2017-18 Panini Prizm Factor
If you're serious about this, you start with Prizm. It’s basically the gold standard for modern NBA collecting. The 2017-18 Panini Prizm Jarrett Allen #154 is the card most people think of first. It’s got that classic Brooklyn Nets jersey—black and white, clean, and a bit nostalgic now that he's fully embraced the wine and gold in Cleveland.
Don't just settle for the base card though. The "Silver Prizm" is where the real price action lives. In the current market, a PSA 10 Silver is a legitimate pillar for any center-focused collection. Why? Because 2017 was a deep class. You’ve got Tatum, Mitchell, and Bam in there. When the whole set gains prestige, the "undervalued" guys like Allen get dragged up with it.
I’ve seen some rare parallels from this year, like the Gold Prizm /10, fetch thousands at auction. Even the "Fast Break" variations, which used to be seen as the "budget" version of Prizm, have seen a steady climb. People want the shimmer. They want the scarcity.
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Why Donruss Optic "Rated Rookie" Is a Better Buy for Some
I’ve always been a sucker for the Rated Rookie logo. There’s just something about that blue border on the 2017-18 Donruss Optic Jarrett Allen #179 that feels official. Optic is Prizm’s slightly more "refined" cousin. It’s printed on chrome stock but feels a bit more old-school.
- Holo Parallels: These are the Optic equivalent of Silvers. They’re gorgeous.
- Blue Velocity: These weren't serial-numbered but were exclusive to certain retail formats. They’re surprisingly hard to find in a perfect grade.
- Shock and Orange: If you see these at a card show, check the corners. These retail-exclusive parallels often have chipping issues, so a clean one is a win.
The price gap between Optic and Prizm has narrowed lately. Collectors are realizing that the print runs for Optic were a bit tighter back then, making the high-grade stuff arguably more "rare" than the mass-produced Prizm base.
The High-End: National Treasures and Contenders
If you've got a bigger budget, you’re looking at the 2017-18 National Treasures Jarrett Allen RPA (Rookie Patch Auto). This is the "grail." It’s got a piece of a player-worn jersey and a hard-signed autograph. Numbered to /99 or less, these don't pop up on eBay every day. Usually, they’re tucked away in long-term portfolios.
Then there’s Panini Contenders. The "Rookie Ticket" is a staple. Allen’s on-card auto from this set is iconic because he actually has a decent signature. Some players just scribble a line; Allen takes his time. The "Cracked Ice" version, numbered to /25, is a monster. It’s one of the most visually striking cards ever made, looking like shattered glass over a basketball court.
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What Most People Get Wrong About Big Man Cards
The biggest mistake? Comparing Jarrett Allen to Victor Wembanyama.
Look, Jarrett isn't going to win a scoring title. He’s not going to be the face of a video game. Because of that, his card prices won't "moon" overnight like a flashy point guard. But he has a high floor. In the 2025-26 season, we’ve seen him maintain a double-double average while being a Defensive Player of the Year finalist.
When a player becomes a perennial All-Star, their rookie cards stop being "speculation" and start being "assets." You’re buying the reliability. You're buying the fact that every winning team needs a Jarrett Allen.
Actionable Steps for the Smart Collector
Don't just go out and buy the first thing you see. If you’re looking to add a Jarrett Allen rookie card to your box, here’s how to do it without getting burned:
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- Prioritize PSA/SGC 10s: For a player like Allen, who isn't a "super-megastar," the grade matters immensely. A raw card might save you money now, but a graded 10 is what the big buyers will want in five years.
- Look for the "Fro" Era: His Brooklyn Nets cards are generally more popular than his early Cleveland cards (though his true rookies are all in the Nets jersey). The afro is his brand. Cards where the hair is prominent actually sell better.
- Check the 2017-18 Select "Courtside": This is a sleeper. The Courtside level in Select is the rarest of the three tiers (Concourse, Premier, Courtside). A Jarrett Allen Courtside rookie is much harder to find than a Prizm base.
- Watch the Cavs' Playoff Run: Wait for a "lull" in the season. Card prices usually spike during the playoffs. If the Cavs hit a rough patch in November or December, that’s your window to buy.
Jarrett Allen has proven he’s here to stay. He survived the trade out of Brooklyn and became a cornerstone in Cleveland. That kind of resilience is exactly what you want to see when you're putting your hard-earned money into a piece of cardboard. Keep an eye on the Select Tie-Dye /25 or the Prizm Blue Chips if you want something that really stands out in a display case.
The hobby used to ignore the "rim runners." But when the rim runner is an All-Star with a 70% field goal percentage and a block-party mentality, it’s time to stop ignoring the cards.
Next Steps for Your Collection:
Check the current population reports on the 2017 Panini Prizm Silver. If the "Pop 10" count hasn't ballooned recently, it remains a high-conviction buy for a long-term hold. Combine this with a search for 2017 Donruss Optic Purple Stars or Orange Borders, which often fly under the radar but offer massive visual appeal for the price.