The center position has evolved over the years in the NBA, but talented big men remain a coveted commodity for any franchise. This year's draft class features several promising young centers who could develop into cornerstone players. As a collector and NBA fan, you'll want to keep an eye on these rookies, as their cards and memorabilia could rise in value if they meet expectations. Here are the top 5 rookie centers in the NBA to collect right now:

1. Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavaliers selected Evan Mobley with the 3rd overall pick in the 2021 draft. At 7'0" tall with a 7'4" wingspan, Mobley has prototypical size and length for a modern NBA center. He was a consensus All-American and Pac-12 Player of the Year during his lone season at USC.

Mobley projects as an elite defender who can protect the rim and switch onto smaller players. He has also shown promise as a scorer, averaging 16.4 points per game in college with smooth moves around the basket and touch out to the three-point line. Mobley needs to get stronger but could develop into a two-way force.

As the highest drafted center since 2018, Mobley's cards will be in high demand. His potential as a franchise cornerstone for the Cavs only adds to his collecting appeal. Rookie cards like Mobley's 2021-22 Prizm RC and 2021-22 National Treasures RC autographed patches will be coveted by collectors.

2. Alperen Şengün, Houston Rockets

The Rockets added Turkish big man Alperen Şengün with the 16th pick in the 2021 draft. He won Turkish League MVP last season playing professionally for Beşiktaş at just 18 years old.

Şengün is a gifted offensive player, flashing brilliant passing skills for a center along with ambidextrous finishes around the rim. He has a throwback style modeled after past greats like Arvydas Sabonis. While not an elite athlete, Şengün uses his high basketball IQ and massive 7'1" wingspan to make plays.

Şengün stepped right into a big minutes role for the rebuilding Rockets. As he adjusts to the NBA, his playmaking abilities give him tremendous upside. Collectors who snag Şengün's 2021-22 Prizm Silver and fast break rookie cards could be rewarded down the line.

3. Isaiah Jackson, Indiana Pacers

Isaiah Jackson went 22nd overall to the Pacers after one season at Kentucky. The late lottery pick came into the NBA with raw potential as a long and athletic center.

Jackson stands 6'10" with a 7'5" wingspan and possesses true center size. He's an energetic big man who should make an immediate impact for Indiana with his rebounding and shot blocking skills. Jackson averaged 8.4 rebounds and 6.6 blocks per 100 possessions in college.

While Jackson needs to refine his offensive game, he shows promise as a rim runner and pick-and-roll finisher. Increased playing time for the Pacers could allow Jackson to unlock more of his two-way abilities. His 2021-22 Prizm rookie card is a prospect to stash away.

4. Day'Ron Sharpe, Brooklyn Nets

The Nets drafted North Carolina freshman Day'Ron Sharpe with the 29th pick in 2021. He provides needed frontcourt depth for a Brooklyn team with title aspirations.

Sharpe averaged 9.5 points and 7.6 rebounds in just 19.3 minutes per game for UNC last season. He has great rebounding instincts and knows how to use his wide frame and 7'5" wingspan to clean the glass. Sharpe is also efficient around the basket, shooting 67% from the floor in college.

The Nets don't need Sharpe to carry a heavy load on offense with their star trio on hand. But his high motor and presence on the boards could make him a contributor. Sharpe's 2021-22 Hoops rookie card offers an affordable chance to invest in his long-term potential.

5. JT Thor, Charlotte Hornets

One of the more intriguing rookie centers is JT Thor, selected 37th overall by the Hornets. He boasts a unique skill set for a 6'10" big man.

Thor has range out to the three-point arc and shot 35% from deep as a freshman at Auburn last season. He moves fluidly at his size and could develop into a stretch-five capable of spacing the floor. Thor also showed glimpses of rim protection skills, averaging 1.4 blocks despite playing just 18.8 minutes per game off the bench for Auburn.

It may take time to unlock Thor's full potential, but he is exactly the type of versatile big man now coveted in the NBA. Holding Thor's 2021-22 Hoops rookie card gives you a chance to get in early on a possible hidden gem.

Bottom Line

This 2021 draft class features an exciting group of young centers ready to make their mark in the league. Players like Evan Mobley and Alperen Şengün are likely to earn minutes and contribute right away, while Isaiah Jackson and Day'Ron Sharpe offer intriguing long-term potential. And keep an eye on JT Thor's development, as he could become highly valuable if his three-point shot translates and his defensive skills progress.

Targeting rookie cards of these talented first-year centers is a wise play for collectors. Be sure to closely follow their progress, as increased opportunity and production will quickly drive up demand for their early NBA memorabilia. With the combination of skill and upside these prospects bring, investing in their Prizm, Select and National Treasures RCs could pay dividends down the road.