If the year is 2024 and you’re itching to take a trip down memory lane, look no further than the latest offering from Topps Finest Basketball. As it bounces back onto the court for its sophomore season, this set takes us on a high-flying slam-dunk journey back to the late ’90s—a decade famous for loud pop tunes, dial-up internet, and of course, iconic basketball cards. Still fondly remembered by collectors today, those tiered base sets from the ’90s have been resurrected, much to the delight of avid collectors everywhere.
Packaged in hobby boxes holding six packs of 10 cards each, this set guarantees two autographs per box, making every unboxing a potential burst of excitement or, dare I say, the slam dunk you were hoping for.
The base set itself is as neat and organized as a Phil Jackson playbook, comprising 300 cards divvied up into three cleverly labeled tiers: Common, Uncommon, and Rare. Nostalgia abounds even within these categories, as each tier flaunts a kaleidoscope of Refractor parallels—over 20 per tier. For those who believe there’s no such thing as too much excitement, Breakers Delight boxes extend the thrill further, adding seven Geometric Refractors to the mix for an additional dash of exclusivity and variant-hunting elation.
Speaking of rookie cards, they feature prominently here, accounting for 60 first-year talents sprinkled across the base set, offering a veritable sandbox for collectors to build potential fortresses of future hall-of-famers.
But we mustn’t gloss over the inserts—oh no, these beauties demand their own moment under the spotlight, as they dip delightfully into the pool of late ’90s aesthetics. Think neon shirts and oversized jeans transformed into glossy card brilliance. With classic design names like Arrivals, Debut, Showstoppers, and Finishers, the series rounds out its ensemble by reintroducing The Man inserts, which are holier than a Michael Jordan jersey from that era. With a scarcity akin to finding a needle in a haystack, these land once in every 480 hobby packs, ready to be unearthed after arduous searches and eager anticipation.
Each of these common inserts also enjoys the company of 17 diverse parallels, ensuring myriad opportunities for collectors to chase that elusive, perfect version of their favorite card.
Adding further panache to the series are autographs. From current NBA stars to rising rookies and legendary players who paved the way, the autograph selection of Topps Finest is sure to please, with a panoply of signed offerings. The attractive Finest Autographs and Finest Rookie Autographs lead the charge, each with a tantalizing array of 13 different Refractor parallels.
For history buffs and seasoned collectors who crave a touch of the past, Flashback Autographs and Masters Autographs reintroduce a classic flair, each with—you guessed it—13 parallels of their own. Exclusive to Breakers Delight boxes are Electrifying Signatures and Colossal Shots, both bathed in the marvelous glow of the Geometric Refractor treatment, adding a touch of 90s razzmatazz to the package.
For a quick game plan, here’s a snapshot of what you can expect: Each pack contains 10 cards. There are six packs per box, eight boxes per case—which should keep any collector occupied longer than a timeout during a championship game. With a robust set size of 300 cards and a release pin on August 14, 2025, collectors can mark their calendars and prepare for a nostalgia-fueled escapade.
In a world where digital and virtual often reign supreme, Topps Finest Basketball reminds us of the tactile joy and thrill of collecting—holding in one’s hands the potential key to a magnificent treasure trove of basketball history. Whether it’s chasing rare inserts, uncovering legendary autographs, or simply basking in the retro aesthetic, the 2024-25 Topps Finest is a slam dunk for the modern collector with an appreciation for the great eras past.
