Ben Simmons is attempting one of the most talked-about NBA comebacks in years. The three-time All-Star, who took last season off to heal from injuries, is expected to be a full participant in an Aussie national team mini-camp in Melbourne. Several NBA teams have expressed interest, including one Western Conference squad that offered a training camp invite. For basketball card collectors, comeback stories like Simmons' create unique opportunities — and lessons — for card investing.
The Simmons Comeback Story
Simmons, 30, has been working intensively in Miami to regain his athleticism. A coach who recently worked him out says he has regained his explosiveness. Simmons told Men's Health that this is the best he has felt in years, and he is open to signing a veteran minimum contract.
His Instagram post summed up his mindset: "I wouldn't change the story. The highs, the lows, the pain, the time, the lessons. I embrace all of it."
Simmons has dreams of playing for Australia at the 2028 LA Olympics, and the national team camp is his first step toward an NBA return. He mentioned Miami and Philadelphia as potential landing spots, citing his respect for Erik Spoelstra and the Heat culture.
The Comeback Card Value Playbook
NBA comeback stories follow a recognizable pattern in the card market:
Phase 1 — The absence. When a star player is out of the league, their card values typically bottom out. Simmons' cards are at their lowest point right now.
Phase 2 — The comeback buzz. When news breaks that the player is attempting a return, card values tick up. We are in this phase now with Simmons.
Phase 3 — The signing. When the player signs with a team, values spike. The magnitude depends on the team and the contract.
Phase 4 — The return to play. When the player steps on the court and performs, values either surge (if they play well) or retreat (if they struggle).
Phase 5 — The new narrative. If the player re-establishes themselves as a productive NBA player, their card values settle at a new, higher floor.
Historical Comeback Card Value Comparisons
Several NBA players have made successful comebacks that dramatically affected their card values:
- Vince Carter extended his career well into his 40s, and his cards maintained strong value throughout. Card Source Canada has the 2021-22 Panini Mosaic #15 Jam Masters Vince Carter at $1.50 — a reminder that longevity sustains card values.
- Derrick Rose had multiple comeback cycles. Each time he returned from injury, his cards spiked. Even as a role player, Rose cards maintained collector interest.
- Jimmy Butler has reinvented himself multiple times throughout his career. His 2023-24 Topps Chrome Cosmic #ET-24 Extraterrestrial Talent card at $2.75 reflects the value of a player who consistently performs at a high level.
Basketball Cards to Watch at Card Source Canada
While Simmons cards are not currently in our inventory, the comeback story highlights broader basketball card investing principles. Here are the basketball cards available at Card Source Canada:
Star Players
- 2021-22 Panini Prizm #1 Global Reach Giannis Antetokounmpo — $1.50. A two-time MVP and Finals champion, Giannis is the safest long-term hold in basketball cards.
- 2025-26 Topps #SA-20 Stars of the NBA Rainbow Foilboard Paolo Banchero — $2.00. A rising star with All-NBA potential.
- 2021 Panini Prizm Draft Picks #6 Scottie Barnes — $1.37. Toronto's own Scottie Barnes — Canadian collectors love Raptors cards.
Vintage Stars
- 1989-90 Hoops #310 David Robinson — $3.99. The Admiral's rookie card from the iconic 1989-90 Hoops set.
- 2021-22 Donruss Optic #19 Winner Stays Tim Duncan — $1.99. A modern card of the Spurs legend.
Modern Stars
- 2020-21 Panini Illusions #16 Rookie Reflections Ja Morant / Desmond Bane — $3.99. Ja Morant's cards have been volatile due to off-court issues, making them a high-risk, high-reward hold.
- 2021-22 Donruss Optic #12 My House Purple Ja Morant — $3.49. A purple parallel of the Grizzlies star.
The Canadian Collector's Comeback Strategy
For Canadian collectors, comeback stories offer a specific strategic advantage:
Buy low on fallen stars. When a player is out of the league or struggling, their cards are at their cheapest. If you believe in the player's ability to return, this is the optimal entry point.
Focus on players with Canadian connections. Simmons mentioned Miami and Philadelphia, but players who return to Toronto — like Kawhi Leonard potentially — see the biggest card value spikes due to Canadian collector demand.
Diversify across comeback stages. Rather than putting everything into one comeback story, spread risk across players in different phases of the comeback cycle.
Grading Comeback Cards
If you are buying cards of players attempting comebacks, grading is essential:
- A PSA 10 on a comeback player's card commands a much higher premium than a raw card
- BGS 9.5 with gold label is equally valuable for modern cards
- Grading costs are fixed, so the percentage return is higher on cards that appreciate significantly
Card Source Canada's grading guide covers everything Canadian collectors need to know about submitting cards for grading.
Browse our full selection of basketball cards at Card Source Canada.
Key Takeaways
- Ben Simmons' comeback is in the "buzz" phase — card values are low but rising
- Comeback stories follow a 5-phase pattern that collectors can profit from
- Buying low on fallen stars and grading them is the optimal comeback card strategy
- Canadian collectors should watch for players with Toronto/Canadian connections
- Card Source Canada has basketball cards from $1.37 to $3.99 across vintage and modern stars
