Dwyane Wade (2,000 @ $4.50)

This is Wade’s second card in his sophomore season with the Heat. eTopps humorously markets Wade as “Shaq’s New Little Buddy,” but Wade hopes to develop his own reputation. In his rookie year, Wade averaged more than 16 points per game, and he will be expected to play more minutes and score more in his second season as the pressure on the Heat has grown with the addition of Shaq. With his rookie card having 1,208 cards issued and the price up to to a 7-day average exceeding $40, the question will be whether fans will accumulate a second-year card with a higher print run. With Carmelo Anthony’s second year card having a market cap dropping to about $9,000, which would also be the IPO market cap for a Dwayne Wade sellout, I find it hard to see strong growth potential in this card without adoption. Being cautious, I suggest DO NOT buy this card at IPO.

Peter John Ramos (1,000 @ $4.50)

The Wizards traded their first round draft pick to get Antawn Jamison, so Ramos (as the 32nd pick coming early in the second round) was the Wizards’ highest pick. Ramos is a 19-year old who played four years in the Superior Basketball League in Puerto Rico before entering the NBA draft. Ramos’ 7 foot, 3 inch height excites scouts, and he showed growth as he was the “Most Improved Player” in the third season in the Superior league. But he is unlikely to be ready yet for the NBA, so the question is if he can convert his height into skillful playing. The Wizards have played him sparingly, just averaging 4 minutes over three games in the Wizards’ first seven games. A long shot, I suggest DO NOT buy this card at IPO.

Trevor Ariza (1,000 @ $5.00)

Ariza was the 43rd pick in the 2004 NBA draft, representing the lowest 2004 draft pick issued by eTopps in an IPO so far in the 2004 set. He played a single season with UCLA. He impressed the Knicks with his play in the summer league, and with Allan Houston rehabbing his knees is getting more playing time than would be expected for his youth. He debuted as the only teenager to ever play for the Knicks. Despite Ariza’s low draft rank and the risk that his early success could fade as he still needs to mature to NBA level play, New York area fans likely will be enjoying this youngster as an exciting bench resource. A gamble, but I recommend BUY this card at IPO.

Minnesota Timberwolves Team Card (1,000 @ $6.50)

The Timberwolves won their division last year, but lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Lakers. Kevin Garnett is off to another strong start, but the rest of the Timberwolves will have to help more. With a weakened Lakers weakened, the Timberwolves could play at the same high level as last year and go deep into the championships. eTopps set the season win threshold at a reasonable 55 wins, and the Timberwolves will be eligible for a December bonus as well. Insidehoops.com ranks Minnesota 3rd in their early season power rankings and projects a 58 win season. I recommend BUY this card at IPO.

Phoenix Suns Team Card (1,000 @ $6.50)

Amare Stoudemire is leading the Suns to a good start with an early 5 win, 2 loss record. eTopps says that they have a chance to be the surprise team this season, and they do have a fast, athletic squad but they lack depth from the bench. eTopps requires 49 wins for a shot at the season performance bonus, but insidehoops.com projects a more modest 41 win, 41 loss record and only a chance at making the playoffs. I recommend this as a WEAK BUY.

Toronto Raptors Team Card (1,000 @ $6.50)

Toronto is off to a surprisingly strong start with a 4 win, 4 loss record, but don’t expect that they can keep it up. Insidehoops.com projects a 5th place finish and a 30 win, 52 loss record. They will have to do better than that to achieve the 39 wins eTopps requires for a season bonus, and their postseason chances are miniscule. I recommend DO NOT buy this card at IPO.

My recommended best buy this week is the Minnesota Timberwolves. But, as always, these are just my recommendations for you to use in comparison to your own insights and purchasing strategies.