In our newest round of Better Than a Box, we pit this year’s NBA MVP, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid up against a new hobby box of 2022 23 Optic Basketball.
Drafted third overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Sixers, fans had to trust the organization and “the process.”
The versatile big man is a six time NBA All Star, an All NBA First Team member and, most recently, the NBA’s Most Valuable Player.
Trusting the process wasn’t always easy, as the prodigy missed his first two seasons in the league due to foot issues. Embiid’s career finally tipped off in 2016-17 and while he was limited to just 31 games, he made the All-Rookie team.
Once healthy, Embiid became a Sixers fixture and an All-Star every year, averaging nearly 27 points per game and leading the league in scoring the past two seasons.
An over the top personality and at the same time an enigmatic force off the court, Embiid controls the action between the lines for the Sixers. The offense and defense run through the seven footer, whether that is under the hoop or beyond the three point line.
The Cameroon native looks to be the centerpiece for a contending Philly team for years to come.
Optic Hobby boxes offer 20 cards with four cards per pack, meaning collectors will get 80 shots to make back your nearly $300 for the price of the box. Good luck with that.
In the meantime, while you cross your fingers, say your prayers and take your vitamins, we will launch our mini Embiid starter pack that you can pick up for about the same price.
The Rookie Card
The rookie card in question comes from Embiid’s RC year of 2014-15 in the always popular Panini Select product. We offer a perfect PSA 10 gem in copy of his RC for around $125–or less. This is a card that will always have staying power and if the perennial All Star continues to win scoring titles, potentially more MVP Awards and a championship, this card will only increase in value. Its a great tip off to the collection.
The Autographed Card
The autograph in our collection comes from 2015-16 Hoops Hot Signatures insert set. Embiid’s unique, instantly recognizable, swooping signature is found below him throwing down an uninspired two handed jam in a photo shoot session. With an eye catching red foil streaked design, this card is a definite winner, with one recent copy bringing less than $90.
The Jersey Card
Our jersey comes from the 2019-20 Panini Immaculate set. This high-end product offers some great designs and hits. This multicolored Embiid Sixers swatch screams Philly with its red, white and blue design. Numbered to his jersey number of only 21 copies, it’s a worthy addition for about $75.
The Serial Numbered Card
Our serial numbered card comes from the popular 2021-22 Panini Prizm basketball product. We found a color match numbered to 299 copies in the form of the red parallel. This card really pops with Joel wearing the red Philly jersey with the red border of the catchy Prizm design. For right around 5 bucks, this is a nice one to add to our collection… and our lighter wallet.
So there you have it, with a relatively weak 2022-23 draft class would you rather take your chances on getting half of your money back out of Optic or get these sure things of the league’s current MVP and scoring champion?
As always, the choice as yours.
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