It takes a good deal of nerve and even more confidence to name a product Flawless. Because if it isn’t flawless, then collectors will let
you know.
But Panini America, fueled by two years of high-end releases that were packaged in briefcases, is confident that this year’s version of Flawless basketball will live up to its hype. Although, to be 
honest, the company might be hard-pressed to top the promotional video it made introducing the inaugural 2012-2013 brand.
But when you’re a collector shelling out between $1,250 and $1,500 — and sometimes up to $1,700 — for a box…er, briefcase…you want more than a video with high production value. You want the high values to be reflected in the cards.
Due out in late September, Flawless will again offer one 10-card pack featuring six on-card autographs, two memorabilia cards and two base cards embedded with authentic jewels. The base cards will be numbered to 25 0r less. There will be two boxes per case.
The product will bring up the rear on products still marketed under the 2014-15 NBA season umbrella.
New for this year’s product will be cards honoring the top members who played for USA Basketball. Some of the cards will feature patriotic triple jewels embedded in the cards — rubies (red), diamonds (white) and sapphires (blue).
Jumbo patch autograph cards will return, including the debut of Momentous Autograph
Memorabilia. Also making its first appearance are Dual Diamond Memorabilia cards, which will feature game-worn patches from two players. There also will be a dual Logoman version.
Triple-signed autograph cards will feature players who have competed together in USA Basketball.
A check of completed listings on eBay shows some of last year’s pulls still bring strong prices. A Kobe Bryant auto jersey patch numbered to 25 sold for $511 on Saturday night.
Even an empty black briefcase from last year’s product (keys included) was being auctioned off, with a starting bid of $24.99.
There’s no word yet on pricing for this year’s product.
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