Collecting sports cards has become a popular hobby for many over the years. Basketball cards in particular have seen a huge rise in demand recently. While legendary players like Michael Jordan and LeBron James understandably get most of the hype, there are plenty of underrated rookie cards out there that offer great value. Here's a look at 5 of the most underrated NBA rookie cards that savvy collectors should consider picking up.

1. Luka Doncic 2018-19 Panini Prizm

You may be wondering how a card of one of the brightest young stars in the NBA today could be underrated. However, Luka Doncic's 2018-19 Panini Prizm rookie card can still be found for under $200 in PSA 10 gem mint condition. For a modern card of a player averaging close to a triple-double and looking like a perennial MVP candidate, that's a steal!

Doncic cards exploded when he took the league by storm as a rookie but have cooled off a bit since. Still, the 2018-19 Prizm rookie remains the most iconic card for the Dallas Mavericks phenom. Grabbing one while the price is still reasonable is a shrewd move. Doncic's potential is limitless and he's got the swagger and highlight-reel skills that collectors covet. This card could quickly double or triple in value once people catch on to how undervalued it is compared to other young stars.

2. Tracy McGrady 1997-98 Topps Chrome Refractor

Tracy McGrady may not have completely lived up to the insane hype he had as a young player, but he was still a 7-time All-Star and 2-time scoring champ. His 1997-98 Topps Chrome Refractor rookie card showcases T-Mac in his early Orlando Magic glory days but can be found for around $200-300 in PSA 10 condition.

That's crazy affordable for a refractor rookie card of a sure-fire Hall of Famer. Rookie refractors are always coveted by collectors and T-Mac was seen as the next big thing back in the late 90s/early 2000s. While it never quite took off price-wise, there's still a lot of upside on this card if T-Mac gains more HOF hype. An iconic design and great long-term investment potential make this a no-brainer pickup.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo 2013-14 Panini Prizm Silver Prizm

The Greek Freak has built his case as one of the best players in the world today, winning MVP awards and leading the Bucks. However, his key early rookie cards still don't fetch the kind of prices you'd expect. His 2013-14 Panini Prizm Silver Prizm rookie can still be found for around $1,000-2,000 in PSA 10 condition.

When you consider Giannis is just entering his prime with more MVP-level seasons ahead, that price looks far too low. Other modern stars like Luka Doncic and Zion Williamson command much higher prices. But the NBA Finals champion and DPOY has proven he deserves to be grouped with the elites. Investing in this rookie card before it inevitably spikes higher in the years to come is smart. The Silver Prizm parallels are very coveted as well for their unique finish.

4. Damian Lillard 2012-13 Panini Prizm Silver Prizm

Damian Lillard may play in the small market of Portland, but he's been one of the NBA's top point guards for a decade now with 6 All-Star nods under his belt. Yet his key rookie cards are still very affordable. Lillard's 2012-13 Panini Prizm Silver Prizm goes for around $600-1,000 in top condition.

For a 6-time All-Star with unlimited range, that's lower than you'd expect. While Lillard may not have the overall profile and fanfare of some stars, he's proven to be an elite performer. The 2012-13 Prizm set is iconic and Silver Prizms always command a premium as well. This is arguably Lillard's most important rookie and remains undervalued. Snagging one before prices start climbing higher is the wise move.

5. Chris Paul 2005-06 Topps Chrome Refractor

We're going way back for the final underrated rookie card - Chris Paul's 2005-06 Topps Chrome Refractor. Considered by many to be the best pure point guard of his era, the 12-time All-Star still only has his Topps Chrome Refractor rookie trading for $400-600 in PSA 10 condition. That's head-scratching value when you realize Paul will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer with a long list of impressive career accomplishments.

Granted, CP never captured that elusive championship or MVP award. However, for a card of a sure-fire HOFer to be this affordable is rare. Chrome Refractor rookies of all-time greats normally trade for way more. Investors and collectors shouldn't let the chance to grab Paul's slip through their fingers while they still can. Down the road, there's great potential for prices to double or triple once people realize how undervalued this gem is.

Why Act Now?

Rookie cards of all-time great players generally appreciate over time - oftentimes rapidly. The five featured here seem particularly undervalued at the moment compared to current prices for stars of similar stature. Why gamble on overpriced rookies when you can scoop up these proven veteran cards at near bargain prices?

Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Doncic and Tracy McGrady offer intriguing upside as their legends continue to grow over the next decade. Damian Lillard and Chris Paul are firmly established stars and future HOFers whose true rookie card values are likely to correct sooner rather than later.

Make the investment now before the window closes and prices start catching up closer to where they should be. Having these underrated rookie cards in your collection can pay huge dividends down the road. Don't let the opportunity pass by - act quick and secure these gems before it's too late!