He was the next “big thing.” The buzz around the mobile 7-footer from LSU was the talk of the NBA in November of 1992. Sneaker companies had vied for his services but in the end, Shaq’s rookie shoes were size 22 Reebok PUMPs. Now, that old school sneaker is back as a piece of autographed Shaq memorabilia. To commemorate the 25th Anniversary of O’Neal’s NBA … [Read more...]
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When Shaq and Stallone Made a Trade: Bling to Hit Block
One earned multiple championships. The other made multiple movies. Both earned a lot of money. Fifteen years ago, Shaq and fellow Los Angeles resident Sylvester Stallone were pals who made a memorabilia trade. Now, Shaq’s glitzy gift to Sly is going on the auction block. SCP Auctions will sell a 2002 Lakers championship ring O’Neal handed to the man forever known as … [Read more...]
Shaq Rookie Cards: Little Money for the Big Man
It was the time of the basketball card boom when a giant rookie from LSU entered the NBA. Nearly 25 years have passed and he’s now a retired legend of the game and a Hall of Fame nominee. He can still dunk (just ask Charles Barkley), but back then, Shaq rookie cards were sizzling in anticipation of a huge career to follow. As he matriculated to the Orlando Magic … [Read more...]
Panini: High-End Flawless Basketball to Return
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 … [Read more...]
A History of ‘Hoops’: From Jordan to James
by Darren Smythe Panini has brought the Hoops name back to NBA card collecting. It is one of their lower-cost products and can be an introduction to card collecting for children. That is how the original Hoops cards were sold, and there are many collectors today who would remember that their first pack of NBA cards was Hoops. After Fleer returned to making NBA cards in … [Read more...]
