Who ever thought that the NBA Finals showcasing players like LeBron James, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili would be the springboard for rookie Daniel Gibson to get noticed in the hobby? 

The hot-shooting rookie guard from Texas has heated up significantly in the card market during the past several weeks. He averaged only 4.6 points per game all season, but has erupted during the Eastern Conference Finals and NBA Finals, averaging 13.5 ppg vs. Detroit and then 11 ppg in the Finals, including 31 in Game 6 of the Eastern Finals when the Cavs eliminated Detroit.

His rookie cards were completely off the radar a month ago, but demand is now off the charts, helping his Bowman Chrome autograph (#153) to jump from $15 to $30 and his Fleer E-X rookie (#48) to climb from $12 to $25. Other rookies singles of Gibson have also left the common rookie category and are now in strong demand.

Two others players that are getting some long-overdue hobby attention are Parker and Ginobili. Combining with Duncan to form a devastating trio, they sometimes are forgotten among card collectors.

Parker’s most active rookie card is a 2001-02 Upper Deck SPx (#91), which has jumped from $40 to $50. His SP Authentic (#134) is signed and numbered to just 700, which makes it relatively tough to find, has climbed from $40 to $60.

Ginobili’s most pursued rookies include: 2002-03 SP Authentic (#172, $80), Bowman Signature Edition (#SE-EG, $80) and Topps Finest (#163, $50). All are high on collector wantlists, but haven’t risen in price recently. Another single worth noting is the 2002-03 Upper Deck Inspirations Dual Signature card featuring autographs from both players and is up from $60 to $75. Both player’s rarest rookies are from Ultimate Collection, with Parker in the 2001-02 set (#64, up from $50 to $60) and Ginobili in the 2002-03 set (#93, $125), but it’s tougher to find them.

Also, the lack of impact rookies has hurt this year’s basketball card market, but the typical, end-of-the-season, high-end products that are hitting have given it a much-needed lift. Bowman Sterling, SP Authentic and Topps Triple Threads are all doing pretty well in hobby stores and are priced in this issue. Upper Deck Reserve, Trilogy and UD Ultimate Collection all hit recently. Exquisite Collection and Finest will all hit during the next month and appear to be loaded.

As for rookies, Adam Morrison has slumped, while Brandon Roy continues to rise. Tyrus Thomas gained some popularity with his playoff exposure, while LaMarcus Aldridge has heated up with his strong late-season play and the news that he’ll be playing with Greg Oden next season. As mentioned, Gibson is the biggest mover in the rookie class this month.