Chris Paul is one of the best point guards to ever play in the NBA. Fans love his intense style of play and leadership abilities. As such, Chris Paul rookie cards are highly sought after in the sports card market.

In this article, we'll countdown the top 5 Chris Paul rookie cards that collectors are after. We'll provide key details, analyze market values, and explain why each rookie card makes the list.

Whether you're a seasoned or new collector, this guide will help you discover the premier Chris Paul rookie cards worth owning. Let's jump right in!

#5 2005-06 Upper Deck Rookie Debut Card

Kicking off the list is Chris Paul's 2005-06 Upper Deck Rookie Debut card. Here's a quick rundown of the key specs:

• Card #102 in the Upper Deck Rookie Debut set
• Features Paul in his rookie Hornets jersey
• Part of Upper Deck's "Rookie Premiere" insert set
• Serial numbered rookie card (500 copies produced)

As Paul's first officially licensed NBA rookie card, it carries solid demand. Given the limited print run, it's also tougher to find than Paul's base set rookies.

Raw copies in good condition fetch around $40-$60. Graded gems can push into the hundreds.

#4 2005-06 Topps Chrome Refractor Card

Next up is Paul's shiny Topps Chrome Refractor rookie. Let's see why it's a top Chris Paul rookie:

• Refractor parallel of Paul's Topps Chrome base rookie
• Prized for its reflective chrome finish
• Extremely limited print run (estimated 100-175 copies)
• Paul's lone Chrome Refractor rookie card

Refractor rookies are always popular with collectors. But the minuscule population makes this one extra special.

Expect to pay $150+ for ungraded copies in VG-EX shape. PSA 10 gems trade for $2,500-$3,000 and up.

#3 2005-06 Bowman Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects Card

Bowman Chrome is synonymous with top-tier baseball rookies. But Bowman also offers a Chrome Draft Picks & Prospects set for basketball. Here are the keypoints on Paul's Bowman Chrome DP&P rookie:

• Card #106 in the Bowman Chrome DP&P set
• Features an action shot of Paul at Wake Forest
• Chrome-plated card stock
• Moreaffordable Chrome rookie from his draft class

The clean design and sturdy Chrome stock make this a collector favorite. Raw VG-EX copies can be found for around $30. PSA 10s approach $400 in today's market.

#2 2005-06 Topps Chrome Base Card

For the number two spot, we turn back to Paul's iconic Topps Chrome base rookie. Let's review why this one remains elite:

• Card #201 in 2005-06 Topps Chrome basketball
• Features Paul in his Hornets road uniform
• Chrome-plated card stock with a vibrant design
• Highly recognizable for rookie collectors

It's one of Paul's two key Chrome rookies, alongside the Refractor. Strong demand keeps values high on this Chrome RC.

Expect to pay $60-$100 for ungraded copies in good shape. PSA 10s are worth north of $350.

#1 2005-06 National Treasures RPAs

At the top of the mountain sits Chris Paul's uber-rare 2005-06 National Treasures Rookie Patch Autograph card. Here's a closer look:

• High-end signed rookie card with an on-card autograph
• Features a large patch swatch from Paul's rookie jersey
• Very limited print run - estimated 10-15 copies
• Easily Chris Paul's most valuable rookie card

This card has everything collectors covet - rarity, a rookie jersey swatch, and an on-card signature. It's the holy grail of Chris Paul rookie cards.

Only a handful have been graded by PSA thus far. But GEM-MT copies have traded for $50,000+. This is the premier Chris Paul rookie card bar none.

Conclusion

That does it for our countdown of the top Chris Paul rookie cards. His 2005-06 National Treasures RPA is clearly the best of the best for collectors. But Paul has plenty of elite Chrome, Refractor, and autograph RCs from his rookie year.

Whether you're buying low-end budget options or high-end grails, hopefully this guide steers you towards the right Chris Paul rookies for your collection.

Paul is an all-time great point guard who helped energize the hobby during the 2000s basketball card boom. Rookie collectors who missed out at the time are now scrambling to pick up his top RCs.

Owning the key Paul rookies is a great long-term investment. With his Hall of Fame resume, these cards should only gain value over time.

Thanks for reading our countdown of the top 5 Chris Paul rookie cards in basketball!