Trading cards have been around since the late 1800s, and sports trading cards have been popular for over a century. The NBA exploded in popularity in the 1980s and 1990s, making basketball cards a hot commodity. The Washington Wizards franchise has undergone some name changes throughout the years, but they've had some incredible players suit up for them. Let's count down the top 5 most valuable Washington Wizards basketball cards of all time.

1. John Wall 2009-10 National Treasures Colossal Jersey Patch Autographed Rookie Card

• This card features a massive jersey patch auto of John Wall's rookie year jersey.
• It's extremely limited, with only 5 copies made.
• A PSA 10 grade sold for a whopping $14,400 in September 2022.
• As Wall's iconic rookie card, this is the most sought-after and valuable Wizards card ever.

John Wall was the #1 overall pick in 2010 and hoped to be the franchise savior for Washington. While injuries have derailed his career, his rookie year showed tremendous promise. Collectors covet his autographed patch rookie cards, and this "colossal" patch version sells for astronomical prices in top condition.

2. Bradley Beal 2012-13 Flawless College Uniform Numbers Autographed Patch Rookie Card

• Includes a patch from Beal's college jersey and is numbered to just 10 copies.
• An SGC 10 grade sold for $9,600 in April 2021.
• The 2012-13 Flawless basketball set is very high-end.
• Beal's flawless rookie with his autograph is incredibly rare.

Bradley Beal was drafted 3rd overall in 2012 by Washington and he has emerged as an elite scoring guard. His Flawless college uniform autograph rookie is stunning, containing three color patches. Only 10 exist, so demand heavily outweighs supply. This card is a cornerstone for Wizards collectors.

3. Wes Unseld 1968-69 Topps Test PSA 8

• This pre-rookie card is from 1968, before Unseld's rookie cards in 1969.
• Only 300 test issues of this card were made, compared to thousands of his other rookies.
• A PSA 8 grade sold for $7,800 in July 2021. Higher grades can top $10k.
• Unseld is a legend and a Hall of Famer who spent his entire career with the franchise.

Wes Unseld was draft 2nd overall in 1968 and won Rookie of the Year and MVP honors in 1969. He led the franchise (then known as the Baltimore Bullets) to their only championship in 1978. His limited 1968 Topps Test card is extremely condition sensitive but high-grade copies are treasured by collectors.

4. Gilbert Arenas 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Rookie Patch Autograph

• Includes a patch from Arenas' rookie jersey and is numbered to 99 copies.
• A PSA 10 grade sold for $5,400 in June 2021.
• Exquisite Collection is one of the most luxurious NBA products ever.
• Arenas was an electric young star for the Wizards in the 2000s.

"Agent Zero" Gilbert Arenas was a 2nd round pick in 2001 but exploded onto the scene in 2003. His Exquisite rookie patch autograph is a status symbol card featuring on-card autographs and massive patches. It remains in high demand among Wizards collectors over 15 years later.

5. Elvin Hayes 1968-69 Topps PSA 9

• Hayes' rookie card from his first season after being drafted 1st overall in 1968.
• The population of PSA 9's is just 144, with only 7 grades higher.
• A PSA 9 copy sold for $2,100 in April 2022.
• Hayes is the franchise's all-time leading scorer and rebounder.

Elvin Hayes was the 1st overall pick by the San Diego Rockets in 1968 but was immediately traded to the Baltimore Bullets. He would go on to play 10 seasons with the franchise and be inducted into the Hall of Fame. His sharp-looking 1968-69 Topps rookie card is his key card and a PSA 9 grade example can command over $2,000.

Conclusion

Collecting Washington Wizards basketball cards can be a fun hobby and also a good investment. The franchise has had several marquee players over their history, as highlighted by the rookie cards and early cards of Wall, Beal, Unseld, Arenas and Hayes. These top 5 cards demonstrate the immense value and demand for Wizards cardboard, especially when in premium graded condition. Whether you're a Washington fan, basketball card investor, or both - focusing on these key early cards of the Wizards elite players is a great place to start. Happy collecting!