Basketball Newbie with $3-4K looking For The "It" Card

mcgoo2 · 08-22-2018, 10:10 PM

I've always followed the NBA (and NFL) pretty closely but their history never drew me in to card collecting quite like the MLB. After coming into some cash from the recent Mike Trout boon, I'm looking to diversify and buy one basketball card for my collection.

While a return on the value would be a great bonus, what I really am looking for is that one card that everyone will see as one of, if not the most influential card in the NBA market years down the road (not necessarily due to scarcity, I recognize $3-4K won't be getting some great RPA).

There is a stipulation, I don't really want a Michael Jordan rookie. At this point I'm looking at an 03 Topps Chrome Lebron (lower grade black or higher grade refractor), an 03 Bowman Lebron, or a 1961 Fleer Chamberlain.

So what do you think? Say you have a few thousand dollars and are looking to buy the card that will be the "it" card in 10 years. No Jordan. What do you go with?

ccunanan40 · 08-22-2018, 10:11 PM

I'm a fan of the LeBron TC Black Refractor. I've seen a couple that sold in the range you are looking at. It should definitely hold it's value.

hermanotarjeta · 08-22-2018, 10:21 PM

1996-97 Kobe chrome refractor or 1980-81 topps Magic/Bird/Erving.

The only iconic bron card is out of your league.

hermanotarjeta · 08-22-2018, 10:21 PM

1996-97 Kobe chrome refractor or 1980-81 topps Magic/Bird/Erving.

The only iconic bron card is out of your league.

mcgoo2 · 08-22-2018, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ccunanan40

I'm a fan of the LeBron TC Black Refractor. I've seen a couple that sold in the range you are looking at. It should definitely hold it's value.

That's an interesting thought and not an unpopular one here I'm sure. I was actually leaning either the black refractor or the Chamberlain. Chamberlain was a pioneer to the sport and it is surprising to me how cheap his stuff goes for, that could be the baseball card collector in me though.

mcgoo2 · 08-22-2018, 10:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hermanotarjeta

1996-97 Kobe chrome refractor or 1980-81 topps Magic/Bird/Erving.

The only iconic bron card is out of your league.

Not a fan of the TC? I'm probably too rooted in baseball but it seems to me that the truly iconic cards are those with a high enough print run where they can be bought by a bunch of bored retirees without having to spend hundreds of thousands. It's tough for me to think that Joe Schmo on the street is going to recognize a picture of the Lebron Exquisite RPA and not recognize the TC.

I like the thought of the Magic/Bird/Erving.

hermanotarjeta · 08-22-2018, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcgoo2

Not a fan of the TC? I'm probably too rooted in baseball but it seems to me that the truly iconic cards are those with a high enough print run where they can be bought by a bunch of bored retirees without having to spend hundreds of thousands. It's tough for me to think that Joe Schmo on the street is going to recognize a picture of the Lebron Exquisite RPA and not recognize the TC.

I like the thought of the Magic/Bird/Erving.

I love Topps Chrome and the most iconic Topps Chrome basketball card ever produced is the Kobe rookie. The Lebron is only relevant since most people can’t get his best rookie. Lebron’s legacy still has room to be tarnished, like you being stuck with a high grade Alex Rodriguez 2004 sp or a Barry bonds 1986 topps Tiffany.

If you want chrome, I’d stick with a non-green Kobe refractor.

carlociv · 08-22-2018, 10:51 PM

Jayson Tatum NT RPA :-) ..... jk but could be an iconic card

tjforce · 08-22-2018, 11:14 PM

I'd say get the best graded, be centered LeBron TC refractor you can.

Prices on these have continued to climb (latest PSA 9 sold for $2,850) and it's getting to the point that even his non-rookie TC refractors are getting quite pricey (his second year have been going for $300+, the next 4-5 years between $200-$250, and his '09 for, who knows, there hasn't been one on eBay for the last 90 days).

Although it's not the most iconic Topps Chrome refractor, LeBron is the greatest player ever to have a Topps Chrome rookie refractor.

And there's not a worry of it turning green like the Kobe.

Or you could go with a Wilt if you want to go vintage.

regularp · 08-23-2018, 02:49 AM

There's some people on this board, including myself, who believe vintage basketball is undervalued. It's still a rather untapped market as far as I'm concerned.

Money has come flooding into the market from the Jordan era to modern cards and prices have shot up across the board for the bigs guns of the hobby (Jordan, LeBron and Kobe being the holy trinity). Basketball's appeal continues to grow and is the #2 sport worldwide. Eventually, I think money is gonna flow backwards into pre-Jordan stuff once people catch on to how rare some of that stuff is, especially in higher grades.

Compare the prices of a '61 Wilt #8 RC to a '52 Mantle. It's a mind blowing gap. I realize baseball is America's tradition, the hobby began with that sport (and is associated with it), but those are equally iconic players, in my opinion.

There's only been 1,030 of the Wilts graded compared to 2,424 of the Mantle's. PSA 7 Wilt's have been in the $2,400-$3,100 range over the past year or so. That has plenty of room for growth long term and I would say is THE iconic card of the vintage basketball market from its most iconic set.

A '57 Bill Russell PSA 6 would fit the bill too. That's the other contender with Wilt and would also fit in your price range.

The Finest · 08-23-2018, 03:42 AM

Do any of these posts ever end with the thousand dollar card they bought?

phdbeckett · 08-23-2018, 04:26 AM

Grab a 2002-03 Finest Refractor. Half the production of the Black chrome. Redemption only. Not the best photo, but his pre rookie stuff has a lot of room imo. I am sitting on a rainbow holofoil Lebron from 2002-03 Inspirations...

mcgoo2 · 08-23-2018, 04:36 AM

Thanks for the feedback everyone. Sounds like there's more dislike of the Topps Chrome Lebron than I thought. I'm not married to the idea of buying chrome, I was just under the impression that it was the go-to base rookie for Lebron. Is that not the case?

I'm actually leaning towards going with the Wilt + a lower end Lebron now but I'm interested to hear all your opinions. And since The Finest asked so nicely, I'll share the card I go with in this thread, whenever I decide to buy.

KhalDrogo · 08-23-2018, 06:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Finest

Do any of these posts ever end with the thousand dollar card they bought?

I think the last one in baseball ended with a 1952 Mantle.

Personally, I would go with a TC Refractor PSA 9, or save up some additional funds for a PSA 10. TC will always be an iconic brand in basketball, for which I think the popularity will continue to grow the longer Topps is out of the market.

As much as I love Kobe, the greening worries me too much for such a high end card.

rats60 · 08-23-2018, 06:50 AM

If you don't want a Jordan, go for the other GOAT. A centered PSA 7 1961 Fleer Wilt Chamberlain. He holds 72 NBA records. No one else is ever going to be so dominant.

COMCMax · 08-23-2018, 06:55 AM

What's crazy is how expensive his second year black refractor is getting.

Lebron James 2004 Topps Chrome Black Refractor /500 PSA 10

nfunk · 08-23-2018, 07:23 AM

2003-04 Topps Chrome LeBron Refractor BGS 9.5

Iconic and safe.

Reignmanprice · 08-23-2018, 08:26 AM

buy a Wilt Chamberlain 99-00 UD Retro Inkredible. This a Card everybody wants to have in his Collection.

DajuanWagner · 08-23-2018, 08:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by phdbeckett

Grab a 2002-03 Finest Refractor. Half the production of the Black chrome. Redemption only. Not the best photo, but his pre rookie stuff has a lot of room imo. I am sitting on a rainbow holofoil Lebron from 2002-03 Inspirations...

How much are you selling it for????

6celtics33 · 08-23-2018, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by regularp

There's some people on this board, including myself, who believe vintage basketball is undervalued. It's still a rather untapped market as far as I'm concerned.

Money has come flooding into the market from the Jordan era to modern cards and prices have shot up across the board for the bigs guns of the hobby (Jordan, LeBron and Kobe being the holy trinity). Basketball's appeal continues to grow and is the #2 sport worldwide. Eventually, I think money is gonna flow backwards into pre-Jordan stuff once people catch on to how rare some of that stuff is, especially in higher grades.

Compare the prices of a '61 Wilt #8 RC to a '52 Mantle. It's a mind blowing gap. I realize baseball is America's tradition, the hobby began with that sport (and is associated with it), but those are equally iconic players, in my opinion.

There's only been 1,030 of the Wilts graded compared to 2,424 of the Mantle's. PSA 7 Wilt's have been in the $2,400-$3,100 range over the past year or so. That has plenty of room for growth long term and I would say is THE iconic card of the vintage basketball market from its most iconic set.

A '57 Bill Russell PSA 6 would fit the bill too. That's the other contender with Wilt and would also fit in your price range.

I’ve waited on this to happen for a long time. I don’t think it will.

Media and board types love to create and report on new stats to tell you why today and tomorrow is the best basketball you’ve ever seen. History isn’t appreciated like baseball. Free agency, recruiting in college, it’s always next next next.

6celtics33 · 08-23-2018, 08:39 AM

I’m a semi baseball guy op. For what you’re used to and want and your budget is go Bird Magic psa 9 or Lebron chrome refractor in whatever grade you can afford.

rats60 · 08-23-2018, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6celtics33

I’ve waited on this to happen for a long time. I don’t think it will.

Media and board types love to create and report on new stats to tell you why today and tomorrow is the best basketball you’ve ever seen. History isn’t appreciated like baseball. Free agency, recruiting in college, it’s always next next next.

Basketball is never going to catch up with baseball, but PWCC just sold a SGC 8 for 9k, a PSA 8 sold for 12.5 k. The last PSA 7 57T Russell sold for 15k. I would take a 7 Chamberlain or a 6 Russell in that price range over any new card. They are as solid as any card and will just continue to increase in value. Outside of Jordan, modern players have a tendency to stagnate in price as time goes on...Bird, Magic, Olajuwon, Barkley, Malone, etc. If you are right about history, people in the future are going to look at LeBron, Kobe and Duncan as inferior players too in the future. Then the scarcity and age of vintage will be the determining factor.

6celtics33 · 08-23-2018, 08:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rats60

Basketball is never going to catch up with baseball, but PWCC just sold a SGC 8 for 9k, a PSA 8 sold for 12.5 k. The last PSA 7 57T Russell sold for 15k. I would take a 7 Chamberlain or a 6 Russell in that price range over any new card. They are as solid as any card and will just continue to increase in value. Outside of Jordan, modern players have a tendency to stagnate in price as time goes on...Bird, Magic, Olajuwon, Barkley, Malone, etc. If you are right about history, people in the future are going to look at LeBron, Kobe and Duncan as inferior players too in the future. Then the scarcity and age of vintage will be the determining factor.

You’re preaching to the choir. I just look at rpa prices of new players and shake my head.

Russell and Wilt options are fine. I just know he probably likes topps and was thinking higher grades.

rats60 · 08-23-2018, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 6celtics33

You’re preaching to the choir. I just look at rpa prices of new players and shake my head.

Russell and Wilt options are fine. I just know he probably likes topps and was thinking higher grades.

He had the Wilt as one of 3 options. I would take that in a heartbeat. I actually like the Russell as much if not slightly more. The was a big find of unopened 61 Fleer in 1989-1990, so it is easier to find higher grade Wilt's than the Russell.

minnesotachill · 08-23-2018, 09:14 AM

I would go after something more modern with potential to explode in value.

Durant is extremely undervalue.

2007 Ultimate RC or high grade finest/bowman gold refractor rc

Brandon Ingram NT is another card that I think could be huge some day.

08-22-2018, 10:10 PM	#1
mcgoo2 Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 2,542 mcgoo202	Basketball Newbie with $3-4K looking For The "It" Card I've always followed the NBA (and NFL) pretty closely but their history never drew me in to card collecting quite like the MLB. After coming into some cash from the recent Mike Trout boon, I'm looking to diversify and buy one basketball card for my collection. While a return on the value would be a great bonus, what I really am looking for is that one card that everyone will see as one of, if not the most influential card in the NBA market years down the road (not necessarily due to scarcity, I recognize $3-4K won't be getting some great RPA). There is a stipulation, I don't really want a Michael Jordan rookie. At this point I'm looking at an 03 Topps Chrome Lebron (lower grade black or higher grade refractor), an 03 Bowman Lebron, or a 1961 Fleer Chamberlain. So what do you think? Say you have a few thousand dollars and are looking to buy the card that will be the "it" card in 10 years. No Jordan. What do you go with? __________________ Always looking for Minnesota Twins cards/memorabilia!! My Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/151462415@N06/albums

08-22-2018, 11:14 PM	#9
tjforce Member Join Date: Oct 2012 Posts: 23,469	I'd say get the best graded, be centered LeBron TC refractor you can. Prices on these have continued to climb (latest PSA 9 sold for $2,850) and it's getting to the point that even his non-rookie TC refractors are getting quite pricey (his second year have been going for $300+, the next 4-5 years between $200-$250, and his '09 for, who knows, there hasn't been one on eBay for the last 90 days). Although it's not the most iconic Topps Chrome refractor, LeBron is the greatest player ever to have a Topps Chrome rookie refractor. And there's not a worry of it turning green like the Kobe. Or you could go with a Wilt if you want to go vintage. __________________ "Whether you like it or not, learn to love it, because it’s the best thing going. Wooooo!" Last edited by tjforce; 08-22-2018 at 11:17 PM.

08-23-2018, 02:49 AM	#10
regularp Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Posts: 7,170	There's some people on this board, including myself, who believe vintage basketball is undervalued. It's still a rather untapped market as far as I'm concerned. Money has come flooding into the market from the Jordan era to modern cards and prices have shot up across the board for the bigs guns of the hobby (Jordan, LeBron and Kobe being the holy trinity). Basketball's appeal continues to grow and is the #2 sport worldwide. Eventually, I think money is gonna flow backwards into pre-Jordan stuff once people catch on to how rare some of that stuff is, especially in higher grades. Compare the prices of a '61 Wilt #8 RC to a '52 Mantle. It's a mind blowing gap. I realize baseball is America's tradition, the hobby began with that sport (and is associated with it), but those are equally iconic players, in my opinion. There's only been 1,030 of the Wilts graded compared to 2,424 of the Mantle's. PSA 7 Wilt's have been in the $2,400-$3,100 range over the past year or so. That has plenty of room for growth long term and I would say is THE iconic card of the vintage basketball market from its most iconic set. A '57 Bill Russell PSA 6 would fit the bill too. That's the other contender with Wilt and would also fit in your price range. Last edited by regularp; 08-23-2018 at 02:52 AM.

08-23-2018, 04:26 AM	#12
phdbeckett Member Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Ohio Posts: 2,812 phdbeckett	Grab a 2002-03 Finest Refractor. Half the production of the Black chrome. Redemption only. Not the best photo, but his pre rookie stuff has a lot of room imo. I am sitting on a rainbow holofoil Lebron from 2002-03 Inspirations... __________________ Collecting: Kobe Bryant - LeBron James - Michael Jordan Giannis Rare Base / Parallels / Inserts[COLOR="black"]

08-23-2018, 04:36 AM	#13
mcgoo2 Member Join Date: May 2011 Posts: 2,542 mcgoo202	Thanks for the feedback everyone. Sounds like there's more dislike of the Topps Chrome Lebron than I thought. I'm not married to the idea of buying chrome, I was just under the impression that it was the go-to base rookie for Lebron. Is that not the case? I'm actually leaning towards going with the Wilt + a lower end Lebron now but I'm interested to hear all your opinions. And since The Finest asked so nicely, I'll share the card I go with in this thread, whenever I decide to buy. __________________ Always looking for Minnesota Twins cards/memorabilia!! My Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/151462415@N06/albums

08-22-2018, 10:11 PM	#2
ccunanan40 Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 478 cunanan40	I'm a fan of the LeBron TC Black Refractor. I've seen a couple that sold in the range you are looking at. It should definitely hold it's value. __________________ Shaq Logoman and Letter Supercollector Instagram: ShaqLogoman

08-22-2018, 10:21 PM	#3
hermanotarjeta Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Posts: 21,856	1996-97 Kobe chrome refractor or 1980-81 topps Magic/Bird/Erving. The only iconic bron card is out of your league.

08-22-2018, 10:51 PM	#8
carlociv Member Join Date: Aug 2015 Posts: 175	Jayson Tatum NT RPA :-) ..... jk but could be an iconic card

08-23-2018, 03:42 AM	#11
The Finest Member Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Las Vegas Posts: 661	Do any of these posts ever end with the thousand dollar card they bought?

08-23-2018, 06:50 AM	#15
rats60 Member Join Date: Oct 2013 Posts: 10,008	If you don't want a Jordan, go for the other GOAT. A centered PSA 7 1961 Fleer Wilt Chamberlain. He holds 72 NBA records. No one else is ever going to be so dominant.

08-23-2018, 06:55 AM	#16
COMCMax Member Join Date: Jun 2013 Posts: 8,912 Maximoose	What's crazy is how expensive his second year black refractor is getting. Lebron James 2004 Topps Chrome Black Refractor /500 PSA 10

08-23-2018, 07:23 AM	#17
nfunk Member Join Date: Aug 2013 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,789 nfunk82 nfunk	2003-04 Topps Chrome LeBron Refractor BGS 9.5 Iconic and safe. __________________ PC's: Revolution Galactic, LeBron, Matthew Stafford, & Shiny Stuff Flickr: https://www.flickr.com/photos/130031161@N07/albums/with/72157664643757362 Instagram: nfunkcollection

08-23-2018, 08:26 AM	#18
Reignmanprice Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Posts: 153	buy a Wilt Chamberlain 99-00 UD Retro Inkredible. This a Card everybody wants to have in his Collection.

08-23-2018, 08:39 AM	#21
6celtics33 Member Join Date: Jun 2015 Posts: 8,278	I’m a semi baseball guy op. For what you’re used to and want and your budget is go Bird Magic psa 9 or Lebron chrome refractor in whatever grade you can afford.

08-23-2018, 09:14 AM	#25
minnesotachill Member Join Date: Feb 2011 Posts: 3,889	I would go after something more modern with potential to explode in value. Durant is extremely undervalue. 2007 Ultimate RC or high grade finest/bowman gold refractor rc Brandon Ingram NT is another card that I think could be huge some day.