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The 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set marks the long-awaited return of a classic brand that first captivated collectors during the rookie seasons of Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson. Last seen in 2009, Topps Chrome Basketball is back, bringing with it a mix of current stars, promising rookies, and legendary players, all featured in a set licensed by the NBA Players Association.
This release, while not officially licensed by the NBA itself due to Panini's current exclusive rights, still manages to capture the excitement of the sport. Players are depicted without full pro uniforms and team logos, but the cards retain the quality and appeal that Topps Chrome is known for.
The 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set is packed with nearly 30 different Refractor variations, offering collectors a wide range of colorful and visually striking cards. Some of the more unique Refractors include Geometric versions available in breaker boxes and basketball background parallels found in retail packs.
Autographs are another major draw for this set. It includes Topps Chrome Autographs, Certified Rookie Autographs, and retail-exclusive Certified Autographs. Among these, collectors will find on-card autographs from Victor Wembanyama, the 2023-24 Rookie of the Year, who signed an exclusive deal with Fanatics. Due to this deal, Wembanyama does not have any autographs in Panini's products this year, making his Topps Chrome cards especially sought after.
LeBron James also features prominently in this release, with this set marking only his second autograph appearance since becoming a Fanatics exclusive. His first was in a dual autograph card with his son Bronny James in the 2023-24 Bowman Chrome University Basketball set.
The set also includes autographs from NBA legends like Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and Shaquille O’Neal, adding a layer of nostalgia and prestige to the collection.
Collectors can expect a variety of vibrant inserts in each hobby pack, including Coast to Coast, Destiny, Finesse, Season’s Best, and Youthquake. These inserts are designed to stand out, with bold colors and designs that enhance the visual appeal of the cards.
In addition to the standard inserts, the set features several Short Print (SSP) inserts, such as Exposé, Superfly, Let’s Go!, Helix, Radiating Rookies, and Rock Stars. Rock Stars, in particular, pays homage to a classic Topps insert from the 1990s, adding a nostalgic touch for longtime collectors.
Each hobby box is set to include two autographs, along with a selection of inserts and Refractors. Victor Wembanyama, one of the most talked-about rookies of the season, is featured as card #1 in the base set and appears across several different inserts and autograph cards.
Pre-sales for the 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball boxes and cases have already sold out, reflecting the strong demand and excitement for this product. Topps is leveraging Wembanyama’s growing popularity to reintroduce the Chrome Basketball brand, even without official NBA logos, making this set a must-have for collectors.
As Topps prepares to regain the full NBA license in 2025, the 2023-24 Topps Chrome Basketball set is an important step in reestablishing the brand's presence in the basketball card market. Collectors are eagerly anticipating what Topps has in store as it continues to expand its offerings in the years to come.
via Beckett
