This has been a lifelong hobby of mine, and I wanted to share my insite into the hobby, What I go for myself, and maybe help others get into the hobby, or learn what to strive for in collecting.
I only collect basketball, if you prefer another sport I am sorry, but this is probably not going to help you out much.
I've been collecting for Basketball cards for nearly 25 years, since I was 9, I am almost 35 now.
I collect the player I like most, as well as sought after ROOKIE CARDS they will be worth the most, as well as inserts, and jersey/auto cards.
I personally collect about anything that involves Anthony Davis personally. Not so much the Pelicans, just the player.
I am going to list what Rookies you should look for from 2012 - 2018, even if you do NOT like them or the team, if you want to collect it is a good idea to put these back for the future.
2012-13 Rookies to Collect - I will post pics of a rookie, there are several different rookies this is 1 example.
Kyrie Irving
Kawhi Leonard
Anthony Davis
2013-14
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Victor Oladipo
2014-15
Andrew Wiggins
Joel Embiid
2015-16
Kristaps Porzingis
Devin Booker
Karl-Anthony Towns
2016-17
Ben Simmons
Brandon Ingram
Jaylen Brown
Thon Maker
Kris Dunn
Buddy Hield
Jamal Murray
2017-18
Lonzo Ball
Jayson Tatum
Lauri Markkanen
Donovan Mitchell
Kyle Kuzma
Josh Jackson
De'Aaron Fox
Malik Monk
Also look for Inserts, Parallels such as Refractors, or Variations such as Orange, or Green, Red etc..
Look for Numbered Inserts such as 24/99 which means there are only 99 copies of that card in the world etc..
Some cards are numbers to /25, and there are even some 1/1 which means its the only one in existance and they bring ALOT of money.
If you pull something of real worth I would send it in to Beckett, or PSA to have it professionaly Graded which if it grades high can really increase the value.
Look for Autographed cards, and Jersey Cards, there are even cards with game used pieces of player shoes in them etc...
I hope you find this post interesting if so please UPVOTE, if not have a nice day anyway. Thanks You.