NBA 23/24 Team Breakdown!

This Blog is to help educate you on our new 23/24 Rookie Class & give you a full team breakdown for this years products!

We've once again been blessed with a very deep rookie class for our 23/24 chases, including some names you might not know just yet who are destined to be league mainstays!

In this blog I hope to give you a detailed run-down of each teams Rookies & Superstars in the hope of giving you guys as much product knowledge as possible!

 

2023 NBA Draft Results

The 2023 NBA Draft was jam packed full of superstar talent from all across the globe. Headlined by the San Antonio Spurs, here's the Top 10 Draft Picks from the 2023 NBA Draft:

1. San Antonio Spurs select Victor Wembanyama

2. Charlotte Hornets select Brandon Miller

3. Portland Trailblazers select Scoot Henderson

4. Houston Rockets select Amen Thompson

5. Detroit Pistons select Ausar Thompson

6. Orlando Magic select Anthony Black

7. Washington Wizards select Bilal Coulibaly (Trade)

8. Indiana Pacers select Jarace Walker (Trade)

9. Utah Jazz select Taylor Hendricks

10. Oklahoma City Thunder select Cason Wallce (Trade)

 

 

 

Now that we know our Top 10 Rookie Picks - Let's get into the breakdown!

Team Scouting Reports

Now the section that most people came for - here is a dive into each teams rookies, superstars, roster & chase potential!

 

 

Since 2018 Atlanta Hawks have been blessed with Superstar Trae Young as the lead man of their team and roster. Ice Trae is a 2x NBA All Star & one of the most versatile Point Guards in the game. Whether its pulling up from the logo or threading a no look Dime into a teammate, Trae has it all.

Atlanta picked up the #15 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and welcomed Kobe Bufkin into their ranks. Kobe is a 6'5 SG/PG who can effectively score points and bring down boards. Shooting just under 50% in his college career - Kobe often came in clutch to help his team take wins with his effectiveness from 3 and on the glass.

ATL also took on Mouhamed Gueye & Seth Lundy who are both yet to show anything in the league.

Kobe Bufkin is still my one to watch here. He has the right skill set to be a solid 2nd/3rd string PG off the bench for ATL with the right training and improvement at his current G-League Team.

 Click HERE to Check out Kobe's 33pt game in the G-League.

 

Overview

BOSTON HAVE A ROOKIE AGAIN!!! Boston Celtics are stacked with superstar talent and some incredibly collectable players, headlined by 4x NBA  All Star Jayson Tatum. Tatum is one of the most electrifying scorers to watch in the league. Averaging a whopping 30 points per game in the 22/23 season (6th in league) , Tatum dominated by driving to the basket and splashing from behind the arc.

Accompanied by a dynamic scoring partner and fellow 2x NBA All Star Jaylen Brown, the Boston Celtics are white hot with scoring talent.

Rookie Watch

Despite Boston having 5 involvements in the draft this year via trades - only 1 Rook has found himself in the Boston ranks, Jordan Walsh.

Walsh is a 6'7 forward with a strong defensive skillset. Showing shades of Kuminga, Walsh has a strong sense of NBA defence & athleticism that can push him a long way as an NBA Player.

 

 

Overview

It's RC Season in Brooklyn! After a tough year in 22/23 sets - Nets have found themselves some Rooks! A team still led by strong Role Player Mikal Bridges, Brooklyn still have a lot to be desired to be a play-in contesting team, however the addition of new rooks is definitely a start!

Rookie Watch

Brooklyn found themselves with 3 Picks in this years draft in which they brought in Picks #21, Noah Clowney, #22 Dariq Whitehead & #51 Jalen Wilson.

Of the 3 so far only Wilson is really getting game time. A strong Pick & Roll ball handler and spot up shooter is exactly what Nets need - and Wilson is showing some prowess off the bench filling this role.

 

 

Overview

Mr. Tarrants Buzz City Boys are headlined by the #2 Draft Pick Brandon Miller. Miller fell short to the #1 pick only to big Victor & is tipped to be the next PG13. Widely seen as the best player in college basketball, Miller comes in to the league with a back pack full of hype & everyone eager to see if he can uphold this.

 

 

Overview

One of the most known NBA Teams on the Planet, Chicago Bulls are fairly well represented in the Product lists. Headlined by an array of Superstars including Mid Range Magician Demar DeRozan & Rim Rocking High Flyer Zach Lavine, Chicago boasts a solid lineup in nearly every checklist. 

Rookie Watch

Chicago didn't have a Draft Pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, but copped a trade from Boston in which they received 6'7 Forward Julian Phillips. Phillips has great athleticism and can hustle on the court. He needs to work on his shooting game as he only averaged 41% from the field in his college career.

Similar to Boston, less of a ones to watch and more of a veteran star. Demar DeRozan is my pick of the bunch for Chicago. 6x NBA All Star & Top 50 ALL TIME 2 Point Shooter, Demar truly is a superstar. In terms of the card industry he doesn't reach the heights of some other vetarns just yet, but still a great player to chase. 

If you're wanting a mid range chase to hunt both Superstars & Rookies, Chicago might just be for you!

Check out some Bulls Team Highlights HERE.

 

 

Emoni Bates is my pick here. He may need some time in the G-League to build some weight and get used to the high quality game, but with shades of Brandon Ingram in him - I think Bates is going to hold his place in the league.

 

 

 

Home to one of the biggest superstars in the NBA in Luka Doncic, Dallas are blessed with some incredible talent and an incredible rookie in the 23/24 Season. Luka is second to none when it comes to mind-blowing performances. A true clutch player who is redefining the Point Guard position. Averaging 32.4 points per game (2nd in NBA) in the 22/23 Season, Luka truly is a spectacle to watch. Luka is one of our hobby's leading chases. Luka's National Treasures RPA sold for $3.12 Million in March 2021/ Check the story out here.

Despite the obvious Luka chase, Dereck Lively II is going to be a Top 5 Rookie to Chase this Year. A truly talented young big man who can be effective at both ends of the court. Lively has already shown that he deserves the Starting Big Man spot in Dallas & is using his minutes effectively to build his name. Keep an eye on this kid.

Dallas are one of the higher range teams in breaks for good reason. The superstar & incredible rookie combo make for a great mix when chasing bangers.

Checkout Lively's Highlights HERE.

 

 

 

 

NBA Champions the Denver Nuggets are blessed with some incredible talent including the walking Triple Double, Nikola Jokic. From gathering boards to tossing dimes & hitting insane shots, Jokic defines a player who has it all. Alongside Jokic is an array of ballers including Jamal Murray, the driving force of Denvers Guard Line.

Julian Strawther is still my pick for the OTW. He has a lot of work to be done but is regularly getting 10-20mins per game off the bench which will prove vital to his career and growth. Learning to mimic the playstyle of players like MPJ & Aaron Gordon around him will help big time. Not a hot prospect but definitely one to keep an eye on.

Checkout Strawther lighting up ATL HERE.

 

 

 

Overview

3 Years in a row the Pistons have been BLESSED UP in Drafting. Onboarding a Top 5 pick in Ausar Thomspon has once again given the Motor City a great years worth of products to chase in. Despite breaking the all time losing record so far this season, Thompson has still impressed highly with his offensive prowess & ability to clean the glass on both ends.

 

Checkout some Ausar highlights HERE.

 

 

Overview

The most followed team on the planet, Golden State are blessed with an incredible lineup including the Greatest Shooter in NBA History - Stephen Curry. Curry holds the record for most 3 Point Field Goals in NBA History, and he's not done yet. Steph averaged 4.9 Threes per game this season, closely followed by his teammate Klay Thomspon, with 4.4 Threes per game. The Splash Bros are still highly desirable in our Hobby, more-so Curry who still sells incredibly well across a majority of products.

Podziemski everyday of the week. The kid is built to hustle and will go a long way in the league if he continues to learn and grow around Steph. Not only is he making an impact every time he's on the floor, he's also averaging only a touch under 40% from 3 Point Range. Trust this kid & pick his cards up anywhere you can.

Checkout Brandins Career High HERE.

 

 

Overview

Houston again are blessed with Multiple rookies to chase, including #4 Draft Pick Amen Thompson, twin of Ausar who was drafted in #5 to the Pistons. Houston have also got a solid string of 2nd & 3rd year players including Jabari Smith Jr, Jalen Green & Alperen Sengun - 3 Young Future League Stars.

This is a closer pick than it should be as both RC's have super deep potential, but i have to choose Amen Thompson. With the right role and time on the court with Houston, Amen can be an All-Star Level Guard. He has all the right skillset to be a Leading Guard in the league for the future. Pick up cards of this kid wherever you can.

 

 

 

Overview

Headlined by THAT GUY - Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers are a great team to chase in 23/24 Products. Hali has quickly become one of the stars of our league, aided heavily by a deep run the the 'In Season Tournament ' Finals against the Lakers. Hali is averaging an insane 23.6 points, 4 rebounds & 12.6 assists PER GAME. Along with hitting an average of 3.5 Threes Per Game - Indi got themselves a star.

Not a RC but a bonified star in Tyrese Haliburton. This pick is nothing you don't know. Hali is a star and is going to be a mainstay PG in the league for a long time. He is blessed with such a versatile game and is electric to watch. 

Check out Hali highlights HERE.

 

 

Overview

Clippers have been blessed up a little more than last year by taking on a few decent Rooks & the signing of James Harden to join a lineup of Vets in Paul George, Kawhi Leanord & Russel Westbrook. 

Despite having rooks on the ranks, this spot still falls to Paul George. Less of a ones to watch and more of a keep watching, PG13 has been a top player in the league for a long time & will continue to be a collectable player. With his great personality and newly released 'Podcast P', PG still holds a great place in many collectors hearts, despite the market value.

 

 

Overview

The second highest followed team in the league, headlined by arguably the greatest player of this generation Lebron James, the Lakers once again as every year hold a highly dense spot in checklists. With an incredible checklist of veterans throughout the year to pad auto checklists, along with the Lebron chase - Lakers truly cover many basis in a good chase. On top of this, they've also brought on #17 Draft Pick Jalen Hood-Schifino.

By no means a prospect & the most obvious choice of this whole checklist, Lebron James is your #1 Chase on the Lakers. Lebron will go down as one of, if not the Greatest Player in NBA History, and picking up his cards while he's still active will always be a great investment.

Checkout Lebron breaking the All Time Points Record HERE.

 

 

 

Overview

The Grizz have been a hot commodity recently, headlined by high flying Ja Morant. Despite Ja's recent actions & injuries, his cards are still operating pretty well on the market considering what's happened. Grizz are also home to the 22/23 Defensive Player of the Year in Jaren Jackson Jr. JJJ is a true defensive weapon and a decent enough chase. Memphis made some great action to bring rookies in for the 23/24  season, which adds to their chase-ability in products.

 

Checkout some GG highlights HERE.

 

 

Overview

It's Rookie Time at the Heat! Jaime Jaquez Jr has joined an already stacked lineup of vets in Miami to make them even more of a chase. Alongside clutch Bucker Getter Jimmy Butler and human wrecking ball Bam Adebayo, the Heat are on fire this year!

 

Checkout Jaime's career high HERE.

 

 

Overview

Despite an early exit in the 22/23 Post Season, Milwaukee have still been successful in recent times. Headlined by their All Star Giannis Antetekounmpo, Bucks are loaded with quality Vets & a few Rooks to chase in 23/24.

Giannis is the easy pick here. Jackson Jr looks like he could become a solid 3rd string guard but it's hard to not lock the Greek Freak. Giannis is one of the best players in our league for a reason!

Bucks are a great low/mid range chase if you want to hunt both League Superstars & still keep a solid Rookie!

Checkout Giannis highlights HERE.

 

 

Overview

An interesting team to watch every year, Minnesota always give you your moneys worth. Whether its watching KAT clean the glass or Edwards flying at the rim, Wolves are an exciting team. They keep that position when it comes to 23/24 products. Wolves are generally represented quite well in checklists, headlined by Anthony Edwards.

Anthony Edwards is the clear leader here. A high flying, exciting Guard who can score from all over the court. Edwards is well represented in a majority of products this year, carrying his auto in most sets. Edwards still sells well despite now being a third year.

Wolves are an incredible low/mid range chase if you're wanting to have rookies & vets to hope for. One of the best value for money spots in the lineup.

Watch Edwards Fly High HERE.

 

Overview

Since 2019 New Orleans has been home to Big Z, Zion Williamson. Zion set the hobby world alight during the 19/20 product season, however has slowly declined since due to injuries & outside events. Pels still find themselves a great value chase however, with a set of Ballers & Rookies including Brandon Ingram & Jordan Hawkins

Hawkins has the raw shooting ability to put himself in this spot. A proper 3 ball specialist with a hot hand. He is shooting 40% in the league already from 3 and is only 39 games in and at 21 years old. WATCH THIS KID. Panini look like they're also blessing him up with Case Hits and SSP Chases - a very very good RC to hunt in 23/24. Slept on.

Checkout some Hawkins action HERE.

 

 

Overview

My NY Knicks! Unfortunately, we have been left on the naughty step AGAIN for the 23/24 Year. The addition of Jalen Brunson has been a god send for NY, and the real reason our post season was as deep as it was. If you want a Solid Vet chase at a lowest cost in 90% of breaks - NY is for you.

It may be bias, but im gonna take 2 here. Jalen Brunson & Josh Hart. Less from a 'they're gonna shock the world' point of view and more from a 'great for the team' point of view. Brunson was a god send for NY, truly taking our team to the next level on his shoulders. Paired with Randle, Brunson showed how good he really is by scoring and creating at a crazy pace. Josh Hart is a new acquisition for NY, but shows true NY spirit and hustle. Both players will be vital to NY's success.

 

 

Overview

OKC for the third year in the row have been blessed with a strong RC Chase in 24/24 Products. Welcoming Cason Wallace to an already young and talented core - OKC are a joy to watch & are top of the ladder as i write this!

Rookie Watch

OKC did the OKC thing & received an incredible Rook from the Draft again. #10 Pick Cason Wallace fell to the Thunder by way of trade with Dallas. Wallace is a 6'4 Guard out of Kentucky with smooth catch and shoot ability. Wallace has already made 44 appearances for OKC and has proved an integral cog of their second unit. Averaging 7pts, 1 3PM & 3RB & 1.5A in only 21mins off the bench has made the difference for OKC this season so far.

One to Watch

Cash in on Cason while you can! Thunder are launching off the year as a mid range team despite their incredible vets. Wallace has all the ability to follow in the footsteps of players like Jrue Holiday and should continue to be an important part of OKCs second unit as they push for a Playoff run.

 

Checkout some OKC Highlights HERE.

 

 

 

 

Overview

Magic have drafted well again after taking ROTY Paolo Banchero in 22/23. With second year Banchero + an array of stars & new Rooks, Magic are a great mid range chase for the 23/24 Season.

Rookie Watch

Orlando were blessed with picks #6 & #11 and selected Anthony Black & Jett Howard. Black is a 6'5 Guard who is a great defender and passer. He sets up his team mates before locking his own shots & is an incredible athlete. A big guard who finishes strongly at the rim and can also splash from deep. Black is a T10 Pick for a reason - mimicking the playstyle of Cade & Giddey. Howard is a 3 point splashing 6'8 Guard with legendary father Juwan Howard. His ability to knock down 3's is great, but he hasn't quite had his chance to prove himself yet.

One to Watch

Anthony Black has all the credentials of a guard who can remain in the league for a long time. His pass first attitude can be used extremely well if he's put in the right lineups & the kid can prove a dangerous guard to have on any team.

Checkout some Anthony HERE.

 

 

 

Overview

Philly go RC-less this year due to violating free agency rules! Despite having MVP Joel Embiid & young beast Tyrese Maxey, they might be left to dry in a lot of this years products. Having no rookies hurts them in the 23/24 line, however 76ers always seem to find a few decent Vet Autos, including Allen Iverson in many sets.

Ones to Watch

Tough to say but from a hobby stand point there's not much love here. Tyrese Maxey is the player on the lineup with the most potential but still a tough one now he's 4 years in. Maxey is still a fantastic young player who should only get better, so he'd be my pick of the bunch. 

As a low end entry to a break, Philly is a great choice.

Find some Maxey Heat HERE.

 

 

 

Overview

Very similar to Philly, Phoenix are also fairly short handed when it comes to the 22/23 product line. Despite having scoring weapon Devin Booker & On Boarding stars Kevin Durant & Bradley Beal, Phoenix are left fairly bare when it comes to chases. 

Ones to Watch

The only player who really fits this bill is D Book, however he's already distinguished in the game. Book is also not widely appreciated when it comes to the hobby, but still a baller who averaged 27.8 points per game this season.

Checkout some D Book Heat HERE.

 

 

Overview

SCOOT TIME BABY! Portland picked up the #3 Pick in the draft and selected 6'2 Guard Scoot Henderson. Highly anticipated as one of the best young players in the sport - Scoot has a lot of eyes on him to be a star. 

Rookie Watch

Scoot Henderson is a hyper athletic PG with a great game sense. A player who can crash the rim or hit from the mid range, Scoot has all the qualities of a 'Westbrook Style' guard. Not only can he finish, Scoot is also great at finding his teammates - already averaging 5 assists per game to go with his 12.5pts. This kid has it all - sit and watch him shine as he gains more experience and confidence.

Blazers also took on Kris Murray & Rayan Rupert from the draft. Murray (brother of Keegan) has looked good off the bench and is definitely one to keep your eye on.

Ones to Watch

SCOOOOOOOOT HENDERSON. As above, the kid has all the talent in the world to flourish into an All-Star PG. He was pick #3 for a reason and is going to show that over the rest of the season.

Checkout some Scoot clips HERE.

 

 

 

Overview

Despite a strong RC year in 22/23 - Kings have picked up a couple late picks in 23/24. Keegan Murray has proved why he was picked so high last year by splashing his way to some massive game winning plays. Fox & Sabonis still lead an incredible vet lineup for SAC.

Rookie Review

Jalen Slawson & Colby Jones are calling SAC home from the draft. Both RCs are yet to really make a proper showing in the league. With such a dominant starting 5 and second core it might be tough for these kids to get a shot. Keep eye on.

Ones to Watch

Keegan Murray for a second year is still my choice here. His ability to finish from anywhere on the court combined with his physical prowess, Murray holds all the keys to a long and prosperous NBA Career.

Checkout Keegans highlights HERE.

 

 

Overview

VICTOR IS CHANGING THE HOBBY!!!!!!!!!!!!

Big Wembanyama is the main talking point of the whole season & year of products. The kid is showing a truly generational skillset, with the handles and shooting of a guard on a 7'4 Frame. Wemby is here to completely change the hobby. Card prices are already insane in the few sets he's in and my god it's going to keep going.

Rookie Review

What can i say here except WEMBY. The literal biggest hype on an NBA Rookie in years and years - Wemby is set to light the hobby on fire. Wemby is already averaging 20pts, 10RB & 3.2BLK per game which is insane for a RC. Leading the charge for ROTY, Wemby is a generational talent.

Ones to Watch

WEMBY WEMBY WEMBY. There no other answer. Kid is going to change the hobby for a long time & if you manage to get your hands on a Wemby RC - you're in for cash.

Checkout some Wemby HERE.

 

 

Overview

Toronto very closely imitate the Clippers with the single Rookie & Vet lineup. Raps have been blessed with a T15 Pick however and have brought on Gradey Dick to bolster their chase-ability.

Rookie Watch

Raps landed themselves the 13th pick of the draft and selected Gradey Dick. Gradey is a 6'8 Forward who has a knack for shooting. Not only can he rain from 3 at 40%, he is also elite at getting to the line with his athleticism. Dont sleep on Gradey - this kid can turn it on.

Ones to Watch

Gradey Dick is my choice here. Despite only getting 12mins avg over 21 games - Gradey has a great ability to be a strong league Forward for a long time. He is great on the 3 Ball and pull up shooting. He can be clutch off the bench and provide a strong option to a second core. Watch Gradey.

Checkout Gradey  HERE.

 

 

 Overview

For back to back years the Jazz mean business in the 23/24 product line. With 2 great rookie chases, Utah find themselves as one of the Sleepers this year. Value for money - there is no better chase than Utah. Headlined by Top 10 Pick Taylor Hendricks & already cog in the machine - Keyonte George!

Rookie Review

Utah used their picks well this season to bring in 3 new Rooks. Taylor Hendricks at Pick 9 is a 6'10 Forward with ability at both ends of the court. A big man who can play PF & C - he is a great athlete who is strong in the Pick & Roll. 

Keyonte George has already proved a cog in the machine of Utah's attack. Having already played 39 games - Keyonte is a 6'4 Guard with incredible court vision. He is already dishing dimes & getting his own points reguarly and is a fantastic young Guard.  

Brice Sensabaugh was the 3rd pick from Utah who is yet to show anything in the league.

Ones to Watch

Despite Hendricks being picked in the Top 10, Keyonte George is a lock here. The kid is great to watch and can thread the needle for some incredible assists. As well as this, Keyonte is also dangerous from behind the arc & driving to the rim. A  young guard who has the skillset to mimic a Trae Young playstyle - this is my personal chase this year. Keyonte is a BALLER.

For Keyonte Clips, Click HERE.

 

Overview

Wizards got a Top 10 Pick Again!! Will it pay off this time? Despite having some high draft picks in previous season, Wizards RCs just haven't done the thing. Bilal Coulibaly is this years pickup from Spot #7. The kid has strong rumors and hopes around him, so lets see.

Rookie Watch

At #7, Wizards received Bilal Coulibaly in way of trade from Indiana. Coulibaly is a 6'6 Forward out of France. Teammate of Wemby, Bilal is a difference maker around the rim. Great at grabbing offensive boards & attacking the rim, Coulibaly has the tools to be dangerous in the paint. On top of this, he is most known for his defensive ability where he can really disrupt attacks with his size and athleticism.

Ones to Watch

Bilal does look like he could be the real deal. He's already played 42 games for Washington, averaging 26mins. Not only is he doing well defensively, he's also averaging 8pts & 1 3PM per game which shows his versatility going forward. Dont write off the Wizards in chases this year.

Checkout some Coulibaly highlights HERE.

 

THE END!

I hope you've gotten some information out of this blog - here at Neon Trading Cards we break a variety of different NBA products Every Night! Click on the live breaks tab, follow us on social media & head to our NBA Whatsapp to be notified of all upcoming Breaks!

 

Cheers legends. You know where to find me for any questions!

- G1.