College basketball tournaments will create their own stars over the next four weeks. For some, it will be the greatest moment of their athletic lives and we'll never see them on an NBA court. For others, it will be a springboard to a great pro career. Even though some will spend years at the next level, what they accomplished in college may … [Read more...] about 1970s Basketball Rookie Cards of College Hoop Heroes
1970s basketball cards
New ABA Card Packs Honor League’s Top 30 Players
If you'd like to do a little sports card time travelling and have a fondness for old school hoops, there's a new product that might be right in your three-point range. The Dropping Dimes Foundation and Lana Sports have released a new set of cards honoring the top 30 players in the history of the American Basketball Association and to put a set together you'll have to open … [Read more...] about New ABA Card Packs Honor League’s Top 30 Players
Overlooked and Underrated Rookie Cards of NBA Greats – Part 4, the Late 1970s
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
1970-71 Topps Basketball Set Loaded With Stars, Key Rookies
Basketball cards seemed like a tall order for Topps during the 1960s, but the card company came up with back-to-back “tall boy” sets and an intriguing product. The tall boys were similar to the design used for the 1965 Topps football set. The ’65 set revolved around one star — Joe Namath — and the 1970-71 Topps basketball set also was notable for the hottest rookie to … [Read more...] about 1970-71 Topps Basketball Set Loaded With Stars, Key Rookies
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
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
1978-79 Topps Basketball Set: Home of Unsung Rookie Cards
To most, the 1978-79 Topps basketball set is one that does little but help connect the ABA/NBA merger era to the popular 1980-81 Topps issue, which features the rookie cards of Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. Hidden, however, in this collection is a quiet group of underappreciated rookie cards featuring many NBA stars and Hall of Famers. While the set doesn't include high-dollar … [Read more...] about 1978-79 Topps Basketball Set: Home of Unsung Rookie Cards
Vintage Pack Facts: 1978-79 Topps Basketball
The NBA was having a rough time back in the late 1970's. The league had merged with the ABA but the limited excitement created by the move didn't last long. Rumors of franchise shifts were common and sometimes they happened. Larry Bird and Magic Johnson hadn't yet arrived and Michael Jordan was still in high school. Trading card sets were kept to a … [Read more...] about Vintage Pack Facts: 1978-79 Topps Basketball
The Story of the ABA in 9 Rookie Cards
The ABA’s mystique is steeped in the mystery of unseen thrills and unknowable greatness. Happily, those there to witness the feats firsthand are more than happy to tell the tales (Terry Pluto’s Loose Balls is the best trove of these stories). YouTube and various documentarians have also done an admirable job. It’s imperfect, but, we get what we get, right? At the same time, … [Read more...] about The Story of the ABA in 9 Rookie Cards
Phil Jackson Cards Chronicle Long NBA Career
If you had looked at the images on some of his earliest issues, you'd never guess he'd become one of the most successful coaches in NBA history. Long hair, long mustache. A little counter-culture vibe. Inside, though, was the blossoming mind of a man who would guide greatness. Phil Jackson basketball cards stretch from his 1970s playing days to his … [Read more...] about Phil Jackson Cards Chronicle Long NBA Career