Ricky Rubio Rookie Cards - Best 3 Cards and Checklist

 

Ricky Rubio (10/21/90) is a point guard who was the fifth overall pick for the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2009 draft. 

Ricky Rubio Rookie Year Stats: 41 G | 10.6 PPG | 8.2 APG | 4.2 TRB (Gold Card Auctions)

The youngest player ever to feature in the Spanish ACB League at 14, he spent six seasons in Minnesota before being traded to the Jazz in 2017. He signed with the Phoenix Suns in 2019, going on to win the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup in China. 

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One of the more popular rookies of his era, there are a number of Ricky Rubio RCs to watch out for. Here’s everything you need to know about three of the best options, along with an investment outlook in time for the 2020-21 season.

The Top 3 Ricky Rubio Rookie Cards

Rubio has eight rookie cards altogether, with something to match every budget. We’ve looked at recent auction data to bring you a trio of the best overall.

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2009 Ricky Rubio Topps Chrome Refractor RC /500 #97

The first card to make the list is his 2009 Topps Chrome. A simple card with a profile shot of a young Rubio in a plain vest, there’s a red rookie card logo found in the top left corner. 

The Refractor version is what you should be on the lookout for, as it generally attracts decent interest whenever a mint copy comes up for sale. The chromium finish is susceptible to wear and tear, so keep an eye on the surface and the corners. 

 

2009 Ricky Rubio SP Signature Edition RC #R-RR 

This card has a strange design, and that isn’t meant as a compliment. There are a patch and a stickered autograph, along with a cutout image of Rubio looking off to one side with a ball in his hands. The color scheme is dreary, featuring a dull gold, (which looks more like brown), as well as blue and white. 

One bonus is that it’s fairly affordable, but that’s probably because serious collectors would rather have either the card listed above or the one found below.

 

2009 Ricky Rubio Timeless Treasures Recruits /299 #108

This is a bit of a weird one. The 2009-10 Timeless Treasures Ricky Rubio card has a limited print run of 299 which is a bonus, and while not technically on-card, the cut-style autograph is still much better than a sticker. However, the overall design leaves a lot to be desired, with a small image of the player found in the top left corner.

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As one of only two autographed rookie Ricky Rubio cards, it’s easy to see why collectors have looked past any misgivings in terms of the aesthetic appeal, and it’s probably the best option overall if hoping to flip it in the future.

 

Ricky Rubio Rookie Card Checklist

• 2009 Topps Chrome RC #97
• 2009 Topps Chrome Refractor RC #97
• 2009 SP Signature Edition RC #R-RR
• 2009 Timeless Treasures Recruits /299 RC#108
• 2009 UD Draft Edition RC #11

 

Ricky Rubio Rookie Card Value

Rubio rookie cards are priced accurately based on his career numbers to date.

 

Ricky Rubio Rookie Cards (Advice)

He joined the Suns in good form, and his 11 assists tied Elliot Perry as the only players to put up a double-double with 11 assists in a debut game for his current team. Rubio recently returned to action after it was confirmed that he had tested positive for the COVID-19 virus, starting the game with no lasting ill-effects.

A decade on from the release of his RC cards, it’s fair to say that Rubio hasn’t lived up to the early expectations placed on him when he was a young player in Spain. However, he’s had a solid career in the NBA and even managed to win the World Cup with his international teammates just a year ago.

If you can pick them up for a good price, Rubio’s rookie cards could be a decent long-term investment option if you’re willing to hold onto them until he retires.