Product Rewind: 2012 NBA Draft Picks Entering Prime – Most fans and collectors already know their names; Anthony Davis (New Orleans), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Charlotte), Bradley Beal (Washington), Damien Lillard (Portland) and Andre Drummond (Detroit) to name a few.

What some might not be aware is that the players from the 2012 NBA Draft Class are starting to enter their prime NBA playing years. As a result, NOW might be the last chance to go back to 2012-13 Panini NBA basketball card products before secondary market prices explode on unopened boxes and singles featuring some of these current and future NBA Stars.

Here is a look at some of the top players from the 2012 NBA Draft Class (click link for complete draft results) and their current year stats. All of the listed players below have key rookie cards and autographs in several 2012-13 Panini NBA Basketball products including:

2012-13 Panini Innovation Rookie Auto Anthony DavisAnthony Davis – New Orleans Pelicans
Forward-Center, Kentucky – 1st Overall Pick, 22-years old, 6’10”, 253lbs

NBA Player Profile

Davis is the cornerstone of the New Orleans franchise. He is averaging 36.4 minutes, 23.4 points and 11.1 rebounds per-game. His numbers have improved incrementally in all phases of his game. He quickly became the face of the franchise and a community leader as well. He has recorded 72 performances of 20-plus points/10-plus rebounds. While he hasn’t been a secret by any stretch, he has been a bit under appreciated. Look for that to change as he continues to make a big impact on his team’s success.

2012-13 Panini Innovation Rookie Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Michael Kidd- Gilchrist – Charlotte Bobcats
Forward, Kentucky – 2nd Overall Pick, 22-years old, 6’7″, 232lbs
NBA Player Profile

Before suffering a shoulder injury requiring season ending surgery, MKG was poised for a break-out year for the Bobcats. A young 22-year old with just one year at Kentucky, Gilchrist needed some experience and seasoning to polish his all-around talent. That was beginning to happen. He finished the 2014-15 NBA season averaging 28.9 minutes, 11 points and 7.6 rebounds per-game. He is expected to make a full recovery. His cards may be a bit of a sleeper as he is off the minds of fans and collectors,  for now.

2012-13 Panini Innovation Rookie Auto Bradley BealBradley Beal – Washington Wizards
Guard, Florida – 3rd Overall Pick, 22-years old, 6’5″, 207lbs
NBA Player Profile

The Wizards needed a shooter in 2012 and they got one in Beal. However it’s been his improvement on the defensive end of the court that has transformed his game, making him an integral, all-around player. He is averaging a team leading 36.5 minutes per game with 19.8 points, 4.7 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals. All signs point to Beal being a key piece of the Wizards rebuilding plan for the long-term. He’s proven to be a vocal leader for the team and his tenacious play is infectious.

2012-13 Panini Innovation Rookie Bradley BealDamian Lillard – Portland Trailblazers
Shooting Guard, Weber State – 6th Overall Pick, 25-years old, 6’3″, 195lbs

NBA Player Profile

It’s hard to believe that the player who had the most immediate impact for their team could also be argued as being the most improved player of the 2012 NBA Draft Class as well. Lillard took the league by storm, averaging 38.6 minutes, 19 points and 6.5 assists per-game his rookie year. He is now averaging 24.3 points and 6.8 assists per-game while hitting an amazing 88.8% from the free-throw line. The unanimous NBA Rookie of the Year has been twice named an NBA All-Star and very well could be a future MVP of the league.

2012-13 Panini Innovation Rookie Auto Andre DrummondAndre Drummond – Detroit Pistons
Center, UConn – 9th Overall Pick, 22-years old, 6’11”, 279lbs
NBA Player Profile

To say that Drummond is having a break-out season, thus far in 2015-16 is beyond an understatement. His minutes have jumped from 30.5 a year ago to 34.9 this year. Other sizable increases include points per-game, 13.8 to 18.1, rebounds, 13.5 to 16, steals from .9 to 1.8 while still averaging almost 2 blocks per game. This is the player the Pistons were hoping they were getting. His style of play is reminiscent of the hard-nosed “Bad Boys” of the 1980’s Detroit Pistons, making him a fan favorite.

Product Rewind: 2012 NBA Draft Picks Entering Prime – Key Products

Here is a closer look at some of the key 2012-13 Panini Basketball trading card sets mentioned above.

2012-13 Panini Signatures Basketball – Delivers (3) Autographs in Every Box! Each autographed card is numbered to 299 or less! 2012-13 Panini Signatures Basketball Complete Checklist.

2012-13 Panini Elite Basketball – Delivers (3) Autographs, (1) Memorabilia Card and (2) Short-Printed Rookie Cards in Every Box! 2012-13 Panini Elite Basketball Complete Checklist.

2012-13 Panini Elite Series Basketball – Delivers (4) Autographs and (1) Elite Glass Card in Every Box! Find Rookie versions of Inscription Autographs printed on clear PETG card sock! 2012-13 Panini Elite Series Complete Checklist.

2012-13 Panini Innovation Basketball – Delivers (3) Autographs or Memorabilia Cards and (1) Rookie View Card in Every Box! Look for Panini’s first ever, Stained Glass insert cards! 2012-13 Panini Innovation Basketball Complete Checklist.

2012-13 Panini Intrigue Basketball – Delivers (3) Autographs and (1) Memorabilia Card in Every Box! Also find (1) Special 5-Card Bonus Pack in Every Box! 2012-13 Panini Intrigue Basketball Complete Checklist.

2012-13 Panini Crusade Basketball – Delivers (3) Autographs, (3) Memorabilia Cards, (6) Crusade Inserts and (6) Additional Inserts in Every Box! 2012-13 Panini Crusade Basketball Complete Checklist.

Product Rewind: 2012 NBA Draft Picks Entering Prime – Image Gallery

GTS Distribution

Related Posts