NBA 22/23 Team Breakdown!

Rookie & Stars Review to help YOU discover the best potential in NBA 22/23 Products & Breaks!

In the 22/23 product release calendar, we are blessed with an incredible list of rookies across many different teams. We've had a full season to watch these young superstars, but for some these names may still be foreign to you - and that's what we're aiming to change!

In this blog I hope to give you a detailed run-down of each teams Rookies & Superstars in the hope of giving you guys as much product knowledge as possible!

2022 NBA Draft Results

The 2022 NBA Draft was jam packed full of superstar talent from all across the globe, including one of our own in the Top 10! Headlined by the Orlando Magic, here's the Top 10 Draft Picks from the 2022 NBA Draft:

1. Orlando Magic select Paolo Banchero

2. Oklahoma City Thunder select Chet Holmgren

3. Houston Rockets select Jabari Smith Jr.

4. Sacramento Kings select Keegan Murray

5. Detroit Pistons select Jaden Ivey

6. Indiana Pacers select Benedict Mathurin

7. Portland Trailblazers select Shaedon Sharpe

8. New Orleans Pelicans select Dyson Daniels

9. San Antonio Spurs select Jeremy Sochan

10. Washington Wizards select Johnny Davis

Now that we know our Top 10 Rookie Picks - Let's get into the breakdown!

Team Scouting Reports

Now the section that most people came for - here is a dive into each teams rookies, superstars, roster & chase potential!

Since 2018 Atlanta Hawks have been blessed with Superstar Trae Young as the lead man of their team and roster. Ice Trae is a 2x NBA All Star & one of the most versatile Point Guards in the game. Whether its pulling up from the logo or threading a no look Dime into a teammate, Trae has it all.

Atlanta picked up the #16 pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and welcomed A.J Griffin into their ranks. A.J is a clutch 6'6 forward with an impressive combination of length and strength. Across the 72 games that A.J got minutes, he averaged a very solid 46% field goal percentage & was one of the most dangerous rookies of the season when it came to spot up shooting.

If you like a rookie who can grab boards, drive to the basket and still splash from 3, A.J might be your man.

A.J Griffin has all the potential and skill to carry a long tenure in the NBA. At 6'6 with his ability at each end of the court, A.J is a great chase for those who want a decent investment without breaking the bank.

 Click HERE to Check out some of A.J's 22/23 NBA Highlights courtesy of Longo.

Overview

Despite having no Rookies in the 22/23 product line, Boston Celtics are stacked with superstar talent and some incredibly collectable players, headlined by 4x NBA  All Star Jayson Tatum. Tatum is one of the most electrifying scorers to watch in the league. Averaging a whopping 30 points per game in the 22/23 season (6th in league) , Tatum dominated by driving to the basket and splashing from behind the arc.

Accompanied by a dynamic scoring partner and fellow 2x NBA All Star Jaylen Brown, the Boston Celtics are white hot with scoring talent.

Overview

Brooklyn are a team that have found themselves in an enigma for the 22/23 season. With no Rookies & the departure of All Stars Kyrie Ivring & Kevin Durant, Brooklyn is now led by Mikal Bridges, part of the 2022 All Defensive Team. Overall Brooklyn have been dealt a rough hand in a majority of 22/23 products, which reflects on their break value. If you're looking for a cheap seat to get involved in Breaks, Brooklyn might be your pick.

Overview

Mr. Tarrants Buzz City Boys are headlined by the 2021 Rookie of The Year & 1x NBA All Star Lamelo Ball. Lamelo is a human highlight reel and one of the most electrifying Point Guards to watch in the NBA. His combination of flair, skill & personality have gifted him a hot seat in the card collecting community as a highly sort after player. Lamelo's Gold Rookie Prizm in a BGS 9.5 ended at $192'000 USD on Goldin in 2022. You can check that out here.

Overview

One of the most known NBA Teams on the Planet, Chicago Bulls are fairly well represented in the 22/23 Product list. Headlined by an array of Superstars including Mid Range Magician Demar DeRozan & Rim Rocking High Flyer Zach Lavine, Chicago boasts a solid lineup in nearly every checklist. 

Rookie Watch

Chicago had only 1 Draft Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, in which they selected 6'7 Guard Dalen Terry. Terry is a versatile guard who can impact both ends of the court. Although he didn't see many minutes in the 22/23 Season, Terry still has a lot to show & his second year may bring some more opportunities.

Similar to Boston, less of a ones to watch and more of a veteran star. Demar DeRozan is my pick of the bunch for Chicago. 6x NBA All Star & Top 50 ALL TIME 2 Point Shooter, Demar truly is a superstar. In terms of the card industry he doesn't reach the heights of some other vetarns just yet, but still a great player to chase. 

If you're wanting a mid range chase to hunt both Superstars & Rookies, Chicago might just be for you!

Check out some Bulls Team Highlights HERE.

Home to one of the biggest superstars in the NBA in Luka Doncic, Dallas are blessed with some incredible talent and an incredible rookie in the 22/23 Checklist. Luka is second to none when it comes to mind-blowing performances. A true clutch player who is redefining the Point Guard position. Averaging 32.4 points per game (2nd in NBA) in the 22/23 Season, Luka truly is a spectacle to watch. Whether he's putting Centres on Posters or hitting a Stepback 3, he truly has it all. Luka is one of our hobby's leading chases. Luka's National Treasures RPA sold fpr $3.12 Million in March 2021/ Check the story out here.

Despite the obvious Luka chase, Jaden Hardy is still truly underrated in our hobby. Despite not getting tons of minutes in the 22/23 season, Hardy dominated what minutes he did get, averaging over 40% from both the field & beyond the arc. Prioritising his jump shot, Hardy pulled up more times from beyond the arc than anywhere else on the court, shooting nearly 1 in 2 from 3pt Range. Hardy is a fantastic rookie to keep an eye on and someone i'd be holding. He's learning from one of the sharpest guards in the league & now also Kyrie Irving, which will only help him fulfill his potential.

Dallas are one of the higher range teams in breaks for good reason. The superstar & incredible rookie combo make for a great mix when chasing bangers.

Checkout Luka highlights HERE and Hardy highlights HERE.

NBA Champions the Denver Nuggets are blessed with some incedible talent including the walking Triple Double, Nikola Jokic. Jokic had a whopping 29 Triple Doubles & 58 Double Doubles this season, which is truly insane. From gathering boards to tossing dimes & hitting insane shots, Jokic defines a player who has it all. 

Paired with fellow superstar Jamal Murray & Rookie prospect Chrisitan Braun, the Nuggets area complete team when it comes to the 22/23 product line. 

Mimicking a lot of the above, Christian Braun truly is an underrated chase in our Hobby. With the Nuggets filling the mid range area of breaks, they're a fantastic pick up for chasing Superstars & Rookies.

Checkout Christian Braun's highlights HERE.

Overview

For a second year in a row, Detroit is home to another incredible guard prospect in Jaden Ivey. After Cade Cunningham's rookie year, the Pistons have been hot commodity in the hobby. Despite Cade coming back off a long injury, his cards are still very sort after & shows great potential in a chase. Rookies still dominate the scene however, and one of the best performing rookies ins the league this season was Jaden Ivey. Part of the NBA All-Rookie Second Team, Ivey really helped Detroit fulfill the Cade gap, despite having a tough season.

The easy choice here is Jaden Ivey. As explained above, Ivey has all the tropes of a true NBA All Star. Somewhat mimicking the play style and prowess of Trae Young, Ivey is set to have an incredible NBA Career.

Pistons are one of the higher echelon teams in 22/23 products due to having 2 Strong rookies & 2nd year Cade. Ivey is selling very well and will continue to be an incredible investment leading into the 23/24 season.

Checkout some Jaden Ivey highlights HERE.

Overview

The most followed team on the planet, Golden State are blessed with an incredible lineup including the Greatest Shooter in NBA History - Stephen Curry. Curry holds the record for most 3 Point Field Goals in NBA History, and he's not done yet. Steph averaged 4.9 Threes per game this season, closely followed by his teammate Klay Thomspon, with 4.4 Threes per game. The Splash Bros are still highly desirable in our Hobby, more-so Curry who still sells incredibly well across a majority of products.

Another Vet takes the cake & by absolutely no surprise. Steph Curry is your #1 chase with Golden State. Stephs Autos are scattered through most products in the 22/23 lineup & will be a Top 2 Auto in every single set. Golden State is truly led by the Steph Chase - but still boasts some great value in 2 Rookies and a solid lineup of Vets.

Checkout the Magic of Stephen Curry HERE.

Overview

Houston again are blessed with Multiple rookies to chase, including #3 Draft Pick Jabari Smith Jr. Paired with a 2nd year chase of Jalen Green & Alperen Sengun, Houston are more than filled with hit potential and great young talent to chase. Despite a poor record in the league, Rockets still find a high tier spot in our hobby.

Overview

For the first time in a while, Indiana are HOT! Pacers were blessed with a few draft picks & chose wisely by bringing in Benedict Mathurin & Andrew Nembhard. Mahturin found himself on the All-NBA Rookie 1st Team for the 22/23 Season, playing 78 games & averaging 16.7 points. Indiana are back to joining the upper echelon of teams in the 22/23 Product Line & a lot of that is to do with the collectability and skill of Mathurin.

This simply has to be Benedict Mathurin. All-NBA Rookie, powerful, skillful and likeable - Mathurin holds all the assets to become a long stay star of the NBA. Whether its in the paint or behind the arc, Mathruin can always find space to create points.

Indiana join the upper echelon of teams in the 22/23 lineup due to the 2 fantastic rookies paired with vet Tyrese Haliburton.

Check out some Mathurin highlights HERE.

Overview

Clippers have been somewhat left in the rain for the 22/23 product lineup, featuring mainly a lineup of Vets in Paul George, Kawhi Leanord & Russel Westbrook. Clips did pick up a rookie in Moussa Diabate, however he is yet to impress in the league.

Despite having Moussa on the ranks, this spot still falls to Paul George. Less of a ones to watch and more of a keep watching, PG13 has been a top player in the league for a long time & will continue to be a collectable player. With his great personality and newly released 'Podcast P', PG still holds a great place in many collectors hearts, despite the market value.

Overview

The second highest followed team in the league, headlined by arguably the greatest player in of this generation Lebron James, the Lakers once again as every year hold a highly dense spot in 22/23 checklists. With an incredible checklist of veterans throughout the year to pad auto checklists, along with the Lebron chase - Lakers truly cover many basis in a good chase, despite only really having Max Christie to chase in the rookie street.

By no means a prospect & the most obvious choice of this whole checklist, Lebron James is your #1 Chase on the Lakers. Lebron will go down as one of, if not the Greatest Player in NBA History, and picking up his cards while he's still active will always be a great investment.

Checkout Lebron breaking the All Time Points Record HERE.

Overview

 The Grizz have been a hot commodity recently, headlined by high flying Ja Morant. Despite Ja's recent actions landing him a lengthy ban, his cards are still operating pretty well on the market considering what's happened. Grizz are also home to the 22/23 Defensive Player of the Year in Jaren Jackson Jr. JJJ is a true defensive weapon and a decent enough chase. Memphis made some great action to bring rookies in for the 22/23 season, which adds to their chase-ability in products.

Kenny Lofton Jr has all the tropes to be a set big man in the league. Outside his lack of fitness, Kenny is dangerous in all areas of the court, shown by his 18/6/13 average stat line in the 23/24 Summer League.

Kennys prices are still fairly low, so not a bad time to pick them up and hope. Grizz still find themselves as a mid range chase in the 22/23 products, so incredible value for a Rookie & Vet Chase.

Checkout some Kenny highlights HERE.

Overview

After an incredible post season run from Play-in to NBA Finals, Heat Nation is hot as ever. Led by dynamic All Star Jimmy Butler, Heat are still a great mid range chase in breaks to find some love.

Jovic & Butler take this spot for the Heat. Jovic has all the tropes to be solid, however the lack of minutes and game-time may hinder that. Butler is a bonified superstar which we all know.

As low/mid range chases go, Heat Nation are definitely a solid pickup.

Checkout Clutch Jimmy HERE.

Overview

Despite an early exit in the 22/23 Post Season, Milwaukee have still been successful in recent times. Headlined by their All Star Giannis Antetekounmpo, Bucks are loaded with quality Vets & exciting prospect Marjon Beauchamp.

Giannis is the easy pick here, however taking the rookie Beauchamp is just as easy. Despite only getting small minutes in 52 games this season, with the mentorship of Giannis, Holiday & Middleton, Marjon could go on to do bits. It's certainly not a sure thing but will be interesting to watch in the upcoming season.

Bucks are a great low/mid range chase if you want to hunt both League Superstars & still keep a solid Rookie!

Checkout Marjons 83 point highlights HERE.

Overview

An interesting team to watch every year, Minnesota always give you your moneys worth. Whether its watching KAT clean the glass or Edwards flying at the rim, Wolves are an exciting team. They keep that position when it comes to 22/23 products. Wolves are generally represented quite well in checklists, headlined by Anthony Edwards.

Anthony Edwards is the clear leader here. A high flying, exciting Guard who can score from all over the court. Edwards is well represented in a majority of products this year, carrying his auto in most sets. Edwards still sells well despite now being a third year.

Wolves are an incredible low/mid range chase if you're wanting to have rookies & vets to hope for. One of the best value for money spots in the lineup.

Watch Edwards Fly High HERE.

Overview

Since 2019 New Orleans has been home to Big Z, Zion Williamson. Zion set the hobby world alight during the 19/20 product season, however has slowly declined since due to injuries & outside events. Pels still find themselves a great value chase however, with a set of Ballers & Rookies including Brandon Ingram & Dyson Daniels.

Our man Dyson is my choice here. His skills on the ball + his defensive prowess bode really well for his NBA potential. With more minutes & experience, Dyson could fulfill some of that potential and move himself to the next level.

Checkout some Dyson action HERE.

Overview

My NY Knicks! Unfortunately, we have been left on the naughty step in majority of the 22/23 products. With only picking up Trevor Keels in the 2022 Draft, NY was left fairly bare in terms of chases. The addition of Jalen Brunson has been a god send for NY, and the real reason our post season was as deep as it was. If you want a Solid Vet chase at a low cost - NY is for you.

It may be bias, but im gonna take 2 here. Jalen Brunson & Josh Hart. Less from a 'they're gonna shock the world' point of view and more from a 'great for the team' point of view. Brunson was a god send for NY, truly taking our team to the next level on his shoulders. Paired with Randle, Brunson showed how good he really is by scoring and creating at a crazy pace. Josh Hart is a new acquisition for NY, but shows true NY spirit and hustle. Both players will be vital to NY's success.

Overview

OKC for the second year in a row have been Blessed with a top 10 Draft Pick & oh boy they didn't let their picks go to waste. Along side our man Josh Giddey, OKC now boast a wild rookie lineup headlined by Big Man Chet Holmgren. OKC Hold the youngest average lineup in the league & by god it's fun to watch.

Rookie Watch

OKC did the OKC thing, and once again cleaned up with draft picks. With their #2 Pick, OKC Selected Chet Holmgren. Chet is a dangerous 7foot Center who boasts silky ball handling skills & a fluid jump shot. He has an overall great game -which Thunder will be excited to deploy in the league. Despite being out for thr whole season, Chets stocks are still as high as ever. Thunder didn't stop there. They've also landed Ousmane Dieng, Jaylen Williams & Jaylin Williams. All of these guys showed great skill this year, none more than Jaylen (J-Dub). J-Dubs talent at the 5 landed him a seat on this year NBA All-Rookie 1st Team and keeps him high in peoples thoughts as an investment.

One to Watch

You simply cant pick 1. Chet Holmgren & Jaylen Williams are built and ready to take on the league. With Chet coming back in it will be interesting to see where J-Dub moves to, but both of these guys are bonified superstars.

OKC are the second highest team on this list for a reason. 4x Rookies + a great Vet lineup with Giddey & SGA - OKC truly have it all.

Checkout some OKC Highlights HERE.

Overview

Holding the #1 Draft Pick is no small feat & Orlando did not disappoint with their pick. Orlando picked up Paolo Banchero with their #1 Draft Pick, and what a decision it was. Magic are packed in 22/23 products. Headlined by the Rookie of the Year, Magic are top dog on the 22/23 list for a reason.

Rookie Watch

Granted with the #1 Draft Pick of the 2022 Draft, Orlando selected 6'10 Power Forward Paolo Banchero. Banchero was out and out the best rookie of the year, playing in 72 games and averaging 20 points per game. Along with an average of 7 boards and 4 dimes, Paolo was fantastic all season. He came into the NBA ready for action & certainly did not disappoint. Caleb Houston was also picked up by Orlando, however has been heavily shadowed by OPaolo.

One to Watch

The easiest selection of the whole list. Paolo Banchero is a true superstar and fit to continue to tear the league apart. Despite Orlandos tough season, Paolo was a true stand out and the #1 Pick for a reason. Whether its driving to the rim or hustling on defense, Paolo is built for the NBA.

Checkout the Rookie of the Years moves HERE.

Overview

Philly were hung out to dry in majority of the 22/23 Product line. Despite having MVP Joel Embiid & Superstar James Harden, they have been let down in a majority of checklists. Having no rookies hurts them in the 22/23 line, however 76ers always seem to find a few decent Vet Autos, including Allen Iverson in many sets.

Ones to Watch

Tough to say but from a hobby stand point there's not much love here. Tyrese Maxey could have a shout, as does James Harden, but both in the 22/23 product line don't have too much diversity. Maxey is still a fantastic young player who should only get better, so he'd be my pick of the bunch. 

As a low end entry to a break, Philly is a great choice.

Find some Maxey Heat HERE.

Overview

Very similar to Philly, Phoenix are also fairly short handed when it comes to the 22/23 product line. Despite having scoring weapon Devin Booker, Phoenix are left fairly bare when it comes to chases. Along with not having any rookies, Phoenix are left with the Vet chase.

Ones to Watch

The only player who really fits this bill is D Book, however he's already distinguished in the game. Book is also not widely appreciated when it comes to the hobby, but still a baller who averaged 27.8 points per game this season.

Checkout some D Book Heat HERE.

Overview

One of the higher echelon chases of 22/23 due to the #7 Draft Pick Shaedon Sharpe. Paired with the vet presence of Damian Lillard, Blazers are a well collected team with tons of hit potential. Dame is one of the leagues top shooters, boasting over 330 Jump Shot Buckets this season, 244 of which are 3 Pointers.

Rookie Watch

Blazers were blessed with a Top 10 pick and din't waste it. They took 6'5 High Flying Guard Shaedon Sharpe, who set the league alight with us acrobatic play style. Sharpe went viral this season with a few monster dunks & played a vital part in the Blazers season. Sharpe appeared in 80 Games in 22/23, which is one of the most for any rookie. Most of his finishes came at the rim, but  he's also lethal from beyond the arc - hitting 102 Threes this season. Sharpe is a top tier Rookie and will be electric to watch next to Scoot this season. Jabari Walker was the second Blazers rookie this year who played mainly off the bench. He did play in 56 games however the minutes & impact were low.

Ones to Watch

The easy choice is all explained above. Shaedon Sharpe has all the assets of a league star & I'm sure is going to bring the heat in another season with the Blazers.

Checkout some nutty Sharpe clips HERE.

Overview

Just like Indiana, Kings are BACK! With a fairly chase-less year in 21/22, Kings are back in action with their Top 5 Draft Pick Keegan Murray. Paired with long time veterans Fox & Sabonis, the Kings make for a great chase of both Vets & Rookie.

Rookie Review

Kings were blessed with the #5 Pick in the 2022 NBA Draft & selected a talented 6'8 forward in Keegan Murray. Murray is a strong 2 way scorer, both dominating at the rim and being ice cold from beyond the arc. Murray made an impact on the Kings this season with his great finishing, pulling up & scoring over 200 times from beyond the arc. Across his 80 Game contribution this season, Murray impressed all year and is built for the NBA.

Ones to Watch

For all the reasons above, Keegan Murray is the simple choice here. His ability to finish from anywhere on the court combined with his physical prowess, Murray holds all the keys to a long and prosperous NBA Career.

Checkout Keegans highlights HERE.

Overview

The city of San Antoni is HOT in 22/23 products! For the first time in a while, Spurs have 3 Fantastic rookies in their lineup! Headlined by Jeremy Sochan, San Antonio lead a young and talented roster that are ready to light up the NBA.

Rookie Review

San Antonio landed themselves 4 Draft Picks in 2022, resulting in the onboarding of #9 Pick Jeremy Sochan, #20 Malaki Branham & #25 Blake Wesley. Led by Sochan, Spurs have found themselves a strong crew of rookies who have a special place on the market. Sochan is a flarey 6'9 forward who fills a lot of blanks at both ends of the floor. Despite only getting involved in 56 games, Sochan is set for another headline season along side Victor Wenbanyama in 23/24.

Ones to Watch

Of the 3 Rookies, Sochan is a cut above the rest. His versatility on the court and ability to finish at the rim make him a great candidate to play along side viral sensation Wenbanyama and it should be fun to watch the pair flourish.

Checkout some Sochan Slams HERE.

Overview

Toronto very closely imitate the Clippers in 22/23 product line with the single Rookie & Vet lineup. Raps were left a little bit soft in this years products, but still hold some decent chase potential with Rookie Christian Koloko & Second Year Scottie Barnes.

Rookie Watch

Raps landed themselves the 33rd Draft Pick and took 7 foot Center Christian Koloko. Despite a great season at Arizona pre draft, Koloko failed to really show any prowess in the league. Despite making it onto the court in 58 games, Koloko often was a last 10 seconds kind of guy.

Ones to Watch

Despite the rookie, Scottie Barnes still has to take this mantle. Even in our hobbys 2nd season syndrome, Scottie is still an effective value for money chase in most products. Barnes was the 2022 Rookie of the Year for a reason & still holds all the ability to set the league alight going forward.

Checkout Scottie throwing it down HERE.

 Overview

For the first time in a long time, the Jazz mean business in the 22/23 product line. With 2 great rookie chases, Utah find themselves as the #1 Sleeper in all of our Breaks. Value for money - there is no better chase than Utah. Headlined by NBA All-Rookie 1st Team big Man Walker Kessler, Utah are slept on!

Rookie Review

Despite having NO PICKS in the 2022 Draft, Utah still managed to pick up Big Man Walker Kessler & Shooting Guard Ochai Agbaji. Kessler set the league on fire in his first NBA Season, playing 75 games and averaging a whopping 2.3 Blocks per Game. Kessler was a defensive weapon in 22/23 and is not surprising for him to take the big man seat on the NBA All-Rookie 1st Team. Agbaji played less minutes, mainly impacting the game from the bench. Despite playing 50+ games, Agbaji didn't really reach his full potential. With more minutes this can easily change.

Ones to Watch

An easy choice in the 7'1 Big Man Walker Kessler. For all the reasons detailed above, Kessler can easily have himself a Gobert-Like career. Protecting Rims, Cleaning Glass and finishing below the bucket.

For Kessler Clips, Click HERE.

Overview

Wizards still live in the same dull spot they've lived in for the previous few years. A lot like Avdija & Kispert, Wiz once again hold a rookie who's yet to really show their potential in #10 Draft Pick Johnny Davis. Paired with the Vet lineup of Bradley Beal & Kyle Kuzma, the Wiz can still boast a great value for money chase across the board.

Rookie Watch

Despite being the #10 Pick in the 2022 Draft, 6'5 Guard Johnny Davis is yet to show the world why he was a Top 10 Pick. Only managing 28 games on a failing Wizards roster, there's not too much i can sum up here for Johnny. In College Johnny had great dexterity as a finisher but we're still yet to see that at the top level

Ones to Watch

A real tough pick here as the Wiz aren't blessed with any love in our Hobby. Bradley Beal is top dog, however holds low regard in collectors eyes. As a low point of entry into breaks - the Wiz can still be fun to grab some cool parallel and rookie hits.

Checkout some Bradley Beal highlights HERE.

THE END!

I hope you've gotten some information out of this blog - here at Neon Trading Cards we break a vary of different NBA prodcuts Every Night! Click on the live breaks tab, follow us on social media & head to our NBA Whatsapp to be notified of all upcoming Breaks!

Cheers legends,

- G.