The basketball card market for former NBA All-Star Dwight Howard’s rookie cards presents collectors with options spanning from budget-friendly picks under $10 to premium autographed pieces commanding thousands of dollars.
Howard, the first overall pick in the 2004 NBA Draft, built a Hall of Fame-worthy resume during his 18-year career. The eight-time All-Star and three-time Defensive Player of the Year accumulated 19,485 career points and 14,627 rebounds before retiring in 2022 with an NBA championship from his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Premium Dwight Howard Rookie Cards
The most expensive Howard rookie card remains his 2004-05 Exquisite Collection #90, numbered to 99 copies. This jersey autograph card has seen graded examples sell for over $2,200 in BGS 9.5 condition, with mint versions reaching north of $1,200.
Among premium options, collectors can find:
- 2004-05 SPx #147 jersey autograph card numbered to 750, valued between $60-150 depending on condition.
- SP Authentic #186 autograph rookie, limited to 999 copies, ranges from $25-60 in raw condition.
Budget-friendly Dwight Howard Rookie Cards
For budget-conscious collectors, several options exist under $10:
- The 2004-05 Topps #221 base rookie card sells for $2.50-$6.
- The Bowman #129 rookie runs approximately $3.
- The Skybox Premium #76, despite being numbered to 999, remains affordable at $3-5 in raw condition.
Market analysis shows Howard rookie cards from the 2004-05 season span 12 different manufacturers and include numerous parallel versions, providing entry points for collectors at various price levels. Graded examples typically command premiums, with BGS 10 grades on budget cards reaching $50 or more compared to single-digit raw prices.
The wide pricing spectrum reflects both Howard’s accomplished career and the variety of card options available from his rookie season across multiple product lines and rarity levels.
Source: Beckett