In the third leg of this journey through some underrated gems from hoops hobby history (Part 1 looked at four greats from the dawn of the pro game; Part 2 examined four under-heralded greats from the 1960s), we discussed the monumental challenges – rooted predominantly in false perceptions and demographic bias – that faced the NBA for most of the 1970s. The NBA struggled to … [Read more...] about Overlooked and Underrated Rookie Cards of NBA Greats – Part 4, the Late 1970s
Overlooked and Underrated Rookie Cards of NBA Greats – Part 3, the 1970s
In the 1970s, post-Wilt and Russell, but pre-Magic/Bird, the NBA found itself short on spectacular, media-friendly stars. Of course, there was Kareem, putting together the greatest three-year run in the history of the sport and capturing a title in Milwaukee, before thriving on a series of underwhelming Lakers teams. Toward the end of the decade there was also Dr. J, who was … [Read more...] about Overlooked and Underrated Rookie Cards of NBA Greats – Part 3, the 1970s
Overlooked and Underrated Rookie Cards of NBA Greats – Part 2, the 1960s
As was the case in the earliest days of professional basketball, in the 1960s the limelight focused squarely on a select few greats: Russell and Wilt, Jerry West, Oscar Robertson and the still-undercelebrated Elgin Baylor. Left in their wake was another collection of Hall of Famers, including the likes of Jerry Lucas, Zelmo Beaty, Walt Bellamy, Bailey Howell, Lenny Wilkens, … [Read more...] about Overlooked and Underrated Rookie Cards of NBA Greats – Part 2, the 1960s
Overlooked and Underrated Rookie Cards of NBA Greats – Part 1, the Early Days
In terms of recognition and fame, the early days of pro basketball were a fraught time to be a “merely great” player. Center stage belonged to the big men of the days: Russell, Chamberlain and, later, Kareem immediately come to mind. Of course, before any of those guys ever took the floor, there was Mikan. Unlike any player in history, Mikan was the league. He was arguably … [Read more...] about Overlooked and Underrated Rookie Cards of NBA Greats – Part 1, the Early Days
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 1st Signed Card Surfaces; Part of 2013 Rookie Program
Every year since 1986, shortly after the draft, the NBA and the National Basketball Players’ Association have held the Rookie Transition Program (RTP). Typically (in non-COVID years) held in New Jersey, the RTP is effectively a “new hire orientation” for professional basketball players. Through presentations from league officials and current and former NBA players,, the … [Read more...] about Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 1st Signed Card Surfaces; Part of 2013 Rookie Program
Ranking Every 1980-81 Topps Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Card
If we’re being kind, we might refer to Topps’ 1979-80 basketball set as “unspectacular”. The product failed to resonate with collectors at the time of its release. More than four decades on, not much has changed. Despite a attractive design and some sharp action shots, a rookie crop of Alex English, Mychal Thompson and Reggie Theus and, well, not much else, isn’t the stuff … [Read more...] about Ranking Every 1980-81 Topps Magic Johnson and Larry Bird Card
Khris Middleton – Superstar Role Player, or Unsung Superstar in His Own Right?
If you’re not completely and hopelessly immersed in the minutiae of graduate-level NBA Discourse, then you’ve probably not borne witness to The Khris Middleton Debate. In this scenario, chances are you think of Middleton as an excellent basketball player on a series of excellent Milwaukee Bucks teams built on a generational foundation. If this is you, kudos on you … [Read more...] about Khris Middleton – Superstar Role Player, or Unsung Superstar in His Own Right?
One Last Year in the Wilderness – Basketball Cards in 1982-83
That major sports card manufacturers have historically made a habit of taking hiatuses from basketball is well-trodden ground. That proclivity for punting on hoops meant that the decades of the 1950s and 1960s – or nearly 30% of NBA history – saw the release of just two mainstream sets. On the bright side, as a result of having to make up for lost time, these issues – … [Read more...] about One Last Year in the Wilderness – Basketball Cards in 1982-83
Official Scoresheet from Larry Bird’s 60-Point Game in New Orleans Set to Close at Auction
Sports fandom – I mean real sports fandom – is a funny beast. To those who are not the least bit inclined to overinvestment in the outcome of strangers exercising, it’s unfathomable. To the “casual fan” (in my book an odder breed of duck), there’s no reason to care this deeply. I mean, “we’re just watching for fun, right?” Sure… We’re drawn to sports for a variety of … [Read more...] about Official Scoresheet from Larry Bird’s 60-Point Game in New Orleans Set to Close at Auction
The ABA Story, Part II – Rookie Cards of Eight ABA-Only Greats
Several weeks back, we strolled down memory lane, reliving the delightful – and delightfully weird – heyday of the ABA. Anyone truly familiar with basketball history will recognize a common thread among those highlighted in that piece. Not only were these among the most accomplished of ABA alumni, but NBA success also lay in their future. Julius Erving, Rick Barry, Artis … [Read more...] about The ABA Story, Part II – Rookie Cards of Eight ABA-Only Greats