The Charlotte Hornets have been around since 1988 when the franchise began as an expansion team. Over the years, the Hornets have featured some incredible players whose rookie cards and autographed memorabilia are highly sought-after by collectors. Let's take a look at the top 5 most valuable Charlotte Hornets basketball cards of all time.

1. LaMelo Ball 2020-21 Prizm Silver Prizms AUTO BGS 10

Kicking off the list is the mega valuable LaMelo Ball autograph rookie card from 2020-21 Prizm Silver Prizms. This card features on-card auto and an incredible BGS 10 grade. As LaMelo's prized rookie and one of his only autographed cards from his rookie season, it's no surprise this one demands big bucks.

Recent sales of this LaMelo Ball rarity have topped an insane $125,000! As one of the most hyped rookies in years, and with LaMelo's sky-high potential, it's unlikely this card will dip in value anytime soon.

2. Anthony Davis 2012-13 National Treasures RPA BGS 10

Next up is a huge hit from former Hornet Anthony Davis' National Treasures rookie year. This card features Davis' autograph and a massive patch. Graded BGS 10, it's about as nice as they come for this card.

Davis looked like a surefire superstar in the making during his Hornets tenure. Combine that with his continued excellence on the Lakers, and it's no shock that this card has sold for over $100,000 recently. It's the premier signed and patched Davis rookie by far.

3. Kobe Bryant 1996-97 Topps Chrome Refractor BGS 10

Now for a real treat. While not technically a Charlotte Hornets card, this Kobe Bryant rookie refractor is about as nice as it gets. At BGS 10, it's practically flawless. Given Kobe's untimely passing and mythical status, prices have soared.

With just 10 grade 10 versions of this card known to exist, demand heavily outweighs supply. That's why recent sales have eclipsed $83,000. As one of Kobe's top rookies, it'll continue to maintain premium value.

4. LaMelo Ball 2020-21 National Treasures RPA Auto 1/1

Wow, back to LaMelo we go with another gigantic hit. This time it's his lone 1/1 autographed patch card from 2020-21 National Treasures. Featuring a massive signature and patch piece, it's about as premium as can be.

Given its impossibly limited 1/1 status, it's easy to see why this holy grail LaMelo fetched around $60,000 at auction. As his best rookie year card, and with LaMelo's superstar upside, the future looks bright for this card atop the hobby.

5. Larry Johnson 1991-92 Stadium Club RC BGS 10

Last but not least is a true classic. Larry Johnson's iconic rookie card from 1991-92 Stadium Club in flawless BGS 10 condition. As one of the most recognizable basketball rookie cards of the 90s, this one will always be desirable.

With Johnson's incredible run with the Hornets to start his career, it's no surprise this gem has commanded over $20,000 in recent sales. It's the archetypal Johnson rookie, and a must-own for any Hornets or 90s collector.

Concluding Thoughts

That does it for a look at the top 5 Charlotte Hornets cards at the current moment. Given the mixture of red-hot rookies like LaMelo and iconic veterans like Kobe and Larry Johnson, values should continue rising on these investment-grade cards.

The Hornets have seen some amazing talent come through the organization in their relatively brief history. Cards of those stars - especially autographed and low serial numbered ones - will always be sought after by collectors.

Whether trying to pick up the hot LaMelo rookies now or snag one of the elite 90s cards of former franchise stars, Hornets options should be on every collector's radar. Values will only continue rising as more time passes on these iconic cards.