Card Collecting has already seen tremendous resurgence in the year 2024. We have seen major manufacturers like Panini trying to bring back the feeling of nostalgia blended with modern trends in their prime packs, like the 2024 Panini Instant NBA set. You might be wondering,
Q. What is going to be special about the year 2025?
I bet 2025 for NBA card collectors is certainly going to be a whole lot better. Our predictions say that the card-collecting hobby is poised to reach newer heights as it gains popularity through social media and organized offline events.
So, let your imagination run wild and let’s discover what are the Best NBA Cards to buy in 2025?
In order to pick the Best NBA card set for yourself, you first need to find out which type of collector are you?
For ease of understanding, we have listed the 8 different types of collectors:
- Rookie Card Collectors (RCC)
- Player Card Collectors (PCC)
- Team Card Collectors (TCC)
- Set Builders (SB)
- Vintage Card Collectors (VCC)
- Autograph and Memorabilia Collectors (AMCC)
- Prospector Card Collectors (PCC)
- Investment Card Collectors (ICC)
1. The Rookie Card Collectors (RCC):
The majority of us fall into this category. This means we focus on acquiring rookie cards of players, believing these cards hold the most potential value.
Best Packs:
1. Panini Prizm Basketball
Panini Prizm has been one of the most searched and sought-after card sets of all time. They are fun, glossy, and prismatic-finished and vibrant parallels with the use of colourful palette, which makes them catch eyes pretty easily.
Adding to the excitement in 2025, the Prizm set will include a chance to pull rare inserts and AUTO cards from top players.
On average, collectors can find multiple rookie cards per box, with odds varying depending on the product configuration from retail, hobby, or blaster packs.
Q. What makes it ideal for RCC in 2025?
1) Rookie Card Abundance:
Prizm sets are known for including a substantial number of rookie cards each year.
- Base Rookies: Standard rookie cards are part of every base set, offering an entry point for collectors.
- Parallel Rookies: These include Silver Prizms, Green Prizms, and rarer variants like Gold and Black Prizms, which are highly sought after due to their limited print runs.
2) Exclusive Inserts:
Panini Prizm packs often include exclusive inserts like “Emergent,” “Instant Impact,” and “Rookie Signatures,” adding value for rookie collectors. Autographed rookie cards, particularly those with low serial numbers, are a standout find in these card packs.
3) Chase for Parallels:
Prizm’s color parallels are a collector’s dream. Cards like the Red Wave, Blue Ice, and Mojo parallels elevate the set’s appeal. Rare parallels (e.g., numbered /10 or /1) are treated as the pearl of the entire treasure.
4) Investment Potential:
Historically, rookie cards from Panini Prizm have demonstrated excellent appreciation in value. Iconic rookies such as Luka Dončić (2018), Zion Williamson (2019), and Ja Morant (2019) have shown how Prizm rookie cards can become cornerstone assets in a collection, taking one’s collection to the next level.
2. NBA Hoops Hobby Box
The Panini Hoops NBA card pack has established itself as one of the most accessible and exciting choices for basketball card collectors, particularly for those hunting rookie cards. Hoops card packs are among the most budget-friendly options compared to other premium brands like Prizm or Select.
A Hoops hobby box generally contains around 24 packs, with nearly one rookie card in each pack. This means it has a significant number of opportunities to pull rookie cards.
Q. What makes it Ideal for RCC in 2025?
1) Loaded with Rookie Cards:
Historically, Hoops card packs are seen to consistently offer value and a chance to score rookie cards of the league’s future stars. Each pack or box of Hoops cards is loaded with rookie cards. For example, from previous years:
- A blaster box typically includes several base rookie cards, plus the chance to find rare rookie parallels or inserts.
- Hobby boxes often guarantee at least one or two autographed cards, many of which are rookie signatures.
- The set is one of the first to feature rookie cards from the latest NBA Draft class, making it a sought-after product each season
2) Iconic Design and Wide Range of Inserts:
Panini Hoops is also recognized for its bold designs and a mix of base cards, rookie cards, parallels, and inserts.
Some standout insert series include:
- “Great Significance” autographs, often featuring rookies.
- “Rise ‘n Shine” memorabilia cards, which may include pieces of rookie jerseys.
- Creative sets like “Arriving Now” and “Rookie Greetings,” which focus on new NBA talent.
3) Great Resale Potential:
Even though Hoops is considered an entry-level product, the rookie cards can appreciate in value significantly, especially if the rookie performs well during their first few seasons.
4) First NBA Cards of New Draft Class:
Panini Hoops is usually the first product released each season, meaning collectors get their hands on rookie cards earlier than with other brands.
3. Panini Donruss Optic Basketball
The 2025 Panini Donruss Optic Basketball NBA card pack is expected to continue its tradition as a premium choice for collectors, especially those focused on rookie cards. Each pack usually contains 2-4 Rated Rookie cards.
Q. What makes it Ideal for RCC in 2025?
1) Strong past track record:
Over the years, Panini Donruss Optic has consistently showcased rookies who go on to have illustrious careers. Previous editions featured rookie cards of superstars like Luka Dončić, Zion Williamson, Ja Morant, Anthony Edwards, and LaMelo Ball.
For instance, a 2018-19 Luka Doncic Base Panini Donruss #177 Rated Rookie Mavs RC is selling on average for around $40 on eBay.
2) Exciting Draft Classes:
The 2025 edition is expected to feature rookie cards from the much-anticipated 2025 NBA Draft class, which analysts predict will be rich in talent.
With a mix of new talent and exciting parallels, collectors can look forward to pulling cards with potential high future value.
2. The Player Card Collectors (PCC):
The Player Card collectors are those individuals who focus their collection on trading cards of a specific/single athlete or a very limited group of players. Of course, this category would be perfect for fans of legendary players like LeBron James, Michael Jordan, or Stephen Curry.
This type of card collector often tries to document a player’s entire journey, from start to end, through their exceptional cardboard representation.
Although the card packs suggested below are a terrific way to begin creating a player-specific collection, collectors may need to go through the checklist to see how many cards they have yet to collect.
Best Packs:
1. Panini Select Basketball
Panini Select Basketball set is known to cater to its artistry-loving audience as it offers vibrant chromium cards and high-quality designs. Each of its hobby boxes typically includes three hits, such as autographs or relics, and an average of one parallel per pack.
Q. What makes it Ideal for PCC in 2025?
1) New Class of Rookies:
As most player card collectors look to start their collection through collecting a rookie card, Panini Select might be the best option out there.
It is expected that the upcoming select pack will include rookie cards of top prospects from the 2025 NBA Draft, making it a must-have for collectors looking to get their hands on the next big stars.
2) Unique multiple tiers of cards:
Unlike generic basketball card sets, Select offers multiple tiers of cards for each athlete, allowing collectors to build comprehensive player collections.
For instance, the collector interested in a rising star like Ja Morant might find:
- Base cards showcasing the player’s standard portrait or action shot
- Prizm parallel cards with holographic or refractor finishes
- Autograph cards featuring the player’s signature
- Memorabilia cards with actual game-worn jersey patches
- Rare “Select” die-cut cards with unique design elements
3) Comprehensive Player Representation:
Select not only just includes superstars—it tries to provide comprehensive coverage so that no players are left out.
For example, it includes:
- Established NBA veterans
- Rising rookie talents
- International players entering the NBA
- Players from different team tiers (championship contenders, rebuilding teams)
2. NBA Chronicles Basketball
Chronicles is a treasure trove of player-centric cards across various brands, increasing the odds of pulling cards of a specific player. It is particularly popular due to its unique approach to sports card collecting, IYKYK.
Q. What makes it Ideal for PCC in 2025?
1) Comprehensive Player Coverage:
Panini Chronicles takes a distinctive approach by creating a massive, diverse set that includes multiple card designs for the same players.
This means that unlike traditional single-design sets, Chronicles feature a “multi-brand” concept wherein each player might have cards that look dramatically different, drawing inspiration from various Panini brand styles like Prizm, Contenders, Playoff, and others, all within the same release.
2) Accessibility and Price Points:
Chronicles is typically positioned as a more affordable option compared to ultra-premium sets like Panini Select. This makes it easier for collectors to acquire multiple cards of their favorite players without too much load on the pocket.
3) Rookie Card Emphasis:
For collectors particularly interested in tracking young players, Chronicles is exceptional. The set typically provides extensive rookie card coverage, often including multiple rookie cards for the same player in different styles.
3. Panini Immaculate Basketball
If you are a card collector wanting to start your collection with a Bang, then this product is going to be perfect for you. Panini Immaculate is considered a premium card collection that offers extraordinary value for collectors focused on specific players, distinguished by several key characteristics.
Q. What makes it Ideal for PCC in 2025?
1) Exceptional Card Quality:
For what it takes, it gives it back. Since this is a high-end product from Panini, you can expect the quality to be no lesser than a diamond cut.
Each card is meticulously crafted, featuring:
- Thick, premium card stock
- Intricate design elements
- High-resolution player imagery
- Often incorporating unique materials like game-worn jerseys or patches
2) Player-Focused Collectibility:
Because of its dear price, a lot of non-serious collectors may shy away from Panini Immaculate. But this opens the door for serious collectors to invest and complete their collection for future trading or selling. As a result, despite their undeniable appeal, Panini Immaculate cards often remain exclusive to dedicated and serious collectors who are willing to invest heavily in their collections.
3) Investment and Rarity:
As mentioned above, because of their rarity, immaculate cards offer significant investment potential.
Adding to their rarity is:
- Extremely limited print runs, which increase card value.
- Rookie cards which are particularly sought after
- Rare parallel editions that can appreciate substantially
3. Team Card Collectors (TCC):
Team card collectors are individuals who focus their trading card collections on a specific sports team rather than individual players or the sport as a whole. These collectors aim to gather cards featuring all players, past and present, who have been associated with their favorite team.
For the team card collectors, best packs include:
1. Panini Revolution Basketball
Panini Revolution sets are perfect for collectors who enjoy vibrant designs and the thrill of chasing rare and valuable cards. These cards have a great visual appeal due to their eye-catching foil patterns. The set has evolved since its peak years (2015-2018).
Q. What makes it Ideal for TCC in 2025?
1) Team-Centric Design Philosophy:
Panini Revolution often creates card designs that emphasize team aesthetics and branding. Each card set typically incorporates team colors, logos, and visual motifs that resonate deeply with fans who are passionate about specific franchises.
This means collectors who are focused on one team will find cards that celebrate their team’s unique visual identity.
2) Unique Card Aesthetics:
Revolution cards are known for innovative, dynamic foil design elements that often feature:
- Holographic/prismatic backgrounds
- Angular, modern graphic treatments that shimmer if tilted
- Intricate design elements that highlight team heraldry
3) Rarity and Collectibility:
This set offers some uniquely rare finds that are very difficult to pull, for instance:
- Galactic cards (very difficult to pull)
- Lava parallels (extremely limited)
- Special insert sets like Kido 101 (one-of-one cards)
2. NBA Contenders Basketball
While not a high-end product, Contenders is viewed as an exciting and potentially rewarding set for basketball card enthusiasts.
Q. What makes it Ideal for TCC in 2025?
In the 2023-24 Panini Contenders hobby set, collectors felt that the set notably lacked autograph cards from several highly anticipated rookies, including:
- Victor Wembanyama
- Scoot Henderson
- Brandon Miller
- Jaime Hayz Jr.
But at the same time, while the rookie autograph selection was limited, Panini made up for this by including a strong veteran auto checklist. The veterans such as:
- Luka Doncic
- “The Joker” (Nikola Jokic)
- Anthony Davis
- Steph Curry
So, for collectors trying to hit a nice veteran auto, Panini Contenders could help make the box purchase more worthwhile.
3. NBA Champions Team Set
For team-specific card collectors, the Panini Champions Card Set stands out as a top-tier choice. The Champions card set is released every year by Panini in celebration of the NBA champions and their victorious moments.
Each box typically contains a 30-card set featuring key players from the championship-winning team, along with highlights from the NBA Finals, team cards, celebration imagery, and tribute cards honoring standout players like the Finals MVP.
Q. What makes it Ideal for TCC in 2025?
1) Complete Winning Team Card Set:
Panini Champions is a full team pack consisting of:
- One team logo card
- One head coach card
- 18 player cards
- Six highlight cards
- One Finals MVP card
- Two celebration cards
- One team image card
All in all, it covers a full collection of team cards that won the NBA Finals that year. For the collectors, take pride in the Champions set if your team made it to the finals that year.
4. Set Builders (SB):
The Set Card Collectors, or Set Builders (for short), are the type of collectors who strive to complete an entire set from a particular card series, such as the 1996 Topps or 1986 Fleer. They enjoy the challenge of acquiring every card in a series, which can range from base cards to rare inserts.
For Set Builders, the best card packs are:
1. 1996 SPX
The 1996 SPX set, also known as “SP to the X Degree,” is a 50-card set that features a mix of top NBA players from the mid-90s. This set was groundbreaking for its time, featuring intricate holograms with motion effects.
Q. What makes it Ideal for SB in 2025?
1) Compact and Exclusive:
The set has a relatively smaller checklist, making it a manageable and rewarding challenge for collectors who want to complete every card.
2) Die-Cut Precision:
The die-cut design makes each card in the set unique and adds an extra level of artistry that appeals to meticulous collectors.
3) Investment Appeal:
Despite being over 25 years old, these cards remain highly sought after, particularly for stars like Michael Jordan, Penny Hardaway, and Kevin Garnett.
2. 1997 SPX
The 1997 SPX set continues the legacy of its predecessor (1996 SPX) but elevates the design with intricate die-cutting and sweeping foil across the cards. For set builders, these high-end details add a layer of sophistication to their collection.
Q. What makes it Ideal for SB in 2025?
1) Elite Player Checklist:
The small set size is packed with stars like Michael Jordan, Kevin Garnett, and Kobe Bryant, ensuring every card feels significant. This condensed format makes completing the set achievable yet rewarding.
2) High Collectibility:
Even base cards in this set hold value, meaning completing it results in a highly desirable collection for display or resale.
3. 1997-98 Fleer Showcase
The 1997-98 Fleer Showcase set is renowned for its premium look and feel. The cards feature a glossy finish, gold script text, and a mix of profile and action shots.
Q. What makes it Ideal for SB in 2025?
1) Historical Significance:
This set features many key players from the golden era of basketball, including Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Jordan, and Penny Hardaway. The inclusion of stars like Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan adds generational appeal.
2) Accessible Yet Rewarding:
Unlike other premium sets, base cards from this set are still reasonably accessible on the secondary market. This makes it easier for set builders to complete, especially since parallels like Legacy Collection cards can be chased separately for an extra challenge.
5. The Vintage Card Collectors (VCC):
The vintage card collectors focus on older, historic cards, such as those from the 1980s that have a story behind them. Most of the time, these card collectors overlap with the Player card collectors or set builders as they tend to focus on collecting vintage cards of legendary players like Michael Jordan or Ray Allen.
Pro Tip: Pre-1980 basketball cards are scarce due to limited production and preservation, leading to high demand and escalating prices.
For vintage card collectors, the pro choice includes:
1. NBA Classics Basketball
If you are a fan of retro designs and reprints of iconic cards, then this card pack is for you. These packs often feature cards from iconic players and memorable moments from past NBA seasons, making it a hit for vintage collectors.
Q. What makes it Ideal for VCC in 2025?
1) Best representation of legendary players:
For collectors who cherish the history of the NBA, these cards serve as a tribute to the players who defined the sport’s early and golden eras. The NBA Classics set shines a spotlight on the pioneers of basketball, featuring Hall of Famers and all-time greats such as:
- Michael Jordan
- Magic Johnson
- Larry Bird
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- Wilt Chamberlain
2. The 1990 Fleer
The 1990 Fleer set features a plethora of legendary players from a transformative period in NBA history. Vintage collectors appreciate this era because it marked the NBA’s rise in global popularity, and these cards capture the players who shaped that legacy.
Q. What makes it Ideal for VCC in 2025?
1) Collection of Top Legends:
This set includes:
- Michael Jordan: While not his rookie card, the 1990 Fleer Michael Jordan card is highly sought after due to its vibrant design and nostalgic appeal.
- Reggie Miller, Patrick Ewing, and Charles Barkley: Hall of Famers whose presence in this set gives it enduring value.
- Rookies like Tim Hardaway and Shawn Kemp: These rookie cards offer collectors the thrill of owning the first mainstream cards of future superstars.
2) Affordable Nostalgia:
Unlike ultra-rare rookie cards or modern high-end packs, 1990 Fleer wax packs are relatively affordable.
Collectors can easily find unopened packs on platforms like eBay or specialty card retailers such as Dave & Adams Card World or Baseball Card Exchange.
3) 1986 Fleer
Of course, when it comes to the talk of vintage trading cards, 1986 Fleer always takes the lead. It won’t be an overstatement to say that the inclusion of Michael Jordan’s rookie card (#57) is particularly responsible for making a card pack from this set so iconic.
To learn more about this set, check out our top 10 NBA trading cards from the 90s
6. Autograph and Memorabilia card Collectors (AMCC):
This type of card collector focuses on collecting trading cards featuring player autographs or pieces of memorabilia like jersey patches or floor pieces. Autograph and memorabilia collectors crave exclusivity. That is why the best card packs for them are:
1. Panini National Treasures Basketball
National Treasures (NT) is synonymous with luxury and exclusivity in the basketball card world, given that the box itself is presented in an elegant, secure design, elevating the excitement of the unboxing experience.
Cards feature premium, thick card stock, intricate designs, and high attention to detail, ensuring collectors feel they are receiving a top-tier product.
Q. What makes it Ideal for AMCC in 2025?
1) An Emotional Rollercoaster ride:
- The anticipation of finding a major hit, such as a Logoman card or a dual auto, keeps collectors engaged and excited.
- Even with mid-tier hits, the experience collectors get is often described as “scary” but “happy,” reflecting the adrenaline and joy unique to high-end products.
2) Long-Term Investment Potential:
National Treasures card set is often viewed as an investment, as high-end cards of proven players like LeBron James or Steph Curry (if available) would hold immediate and long-term value.
2. Panini Flawless Basketball
Panini Flawless Basketball is another high-end trading card series known for its luxurious design and premium content. If you are a collector willing to pay in thousands for a box full of cards, then this card set is certainly a no-brainer choice.
Q. What makes it Ideal for AMCC in 2025?
1) Game-Worn Memorabilia:
Flawless emphasizes game-worn material for patches and memorabilia cards, which is a rarity in modern card sets. Game-worn memorabilia ensures these cards hold historical and emotional value for collectors, as opposed to event-worn or generic materials.
2) Premium On-Card Autographs:
Flawless really boasts on-card autographs, the gold standard for autograph collectors, and very exciting real gems and diamond card offerings, which are collector’s favorites.
3) Low-Numbered and One-of-One Cards:
The set guarantees some RPAs, such as the Walker Kessler RPA to 25, which are foundational to autograph and memorabilia collections.
4) Exclusive First Off the Line (FOTL) Bonuses:
The FOTL version of Flawless offers additional incentives like Bronze Gems Numbered to 3 or Less, whichprovide an added layer of rarity. The FOTL also offers some exclusive tribute RPAs such as Bill Russell Tribute Patches, which enhance the set’s allure for collectors.
7. Prospector Card Collectors (PCC):
Prospector collectors are NBA card collectors who focus on identifying and collecting cards of young or under-the-radar players with the potential to become future stars. This category of card collectors often overlaps with Rookie card collectors, as most of them prefer to secure a rookie card of the prospect.
But that said, collectors do like to try their hands on the draft picks card sets, so here goes nothing:
1. Panini Contenders Draft Picks
Focused on rookies, this set allows prospectors to bet on potential future stars. Contenders Draft Picks provides prospectors with some of the earliest opportunities to acquire autographs and rookie cards of top college players.
Q. What makes it Ideal for PCC in 2025?
1) Early Access to Rookie Cards:
Hitting players like LaMelo Ball, Anthony Edwards, and James Wiseman can make this set worthwhile. The draft pick cards of some sleeper players might grow exponentially over time, which makes it exciting for collectors to try their luck on.
2) Exclusivity:
Cards of “one-and-done” players (those who spend just one year in college) make these sets particularly appealing, as they often represent the player’s only appearance in a collegiate setting.
3) Mix of Legends and Rookies:
College mascot cards and historic college player inserts (e.g., Magic Johnson and Jerry West) add a nostalgic and educational element, making it a well-rounded set for collectors who enjoy the history of basketball.
2. Panini Prizm Draft Picks
A higher-end version of Contenders draft picks is the Panini Prizm Draft Picks. It generally offers more inserts and parallels as compared to Contenders. Panini Prizm appeals to collectors who enjoy flashy, high-end designs and are looking for a more extensive collecting experience with a higher hit rate.
Q. What makes it Ideal for PCC in 2025?
1) Popular parallels:
Popular card parallels, such as the red cracked ice parallels and silver prisms, are a standout feature of the Prizm Draft Picks mega boxes.
For collectors, it is a sight to behold when the color scheme complements the player’s jersey, such as the Anthony Edwards red cracked ice crusade.
2) Affordable Price Point:
The product boxes are “not expensive at all” if found at retail, offering a lower-risk opportunity to invest in top prospects.
8. Investment Card Collectors (ICC):
Investment card collectors are the ones who view cards as an investment and focus on high-end value cards that may appreciate over time. These card collectors often overlap with Auto and memorabilia card collectors. These collectors often buy, sell, and trade cards based on market trends and player performances like any other trading business.
From an investment point of perspective, best packs are:
1. Panini Flawless Basketball
Although some may say that flawless sets are supposed to be cooked properly, some collectors take the shot at the sight of a profitable deal.
Panini Flawless is obviously one of the most expensive purchase sets of any trading card collector. So, it is a no-brainer that they do it, seeking it as an investment opportunity. Despite a tussle between National Treasures and Flawless, Flawless stands out due to its ability to maintain mint condition and official licensing for profit.
2. Panini Prizm Gold parallels
And, if you are not wanting to invest a fortune, Prizm card packs become the most obvious choice. Panini Prizm Gold Parallels are among the best investments for card collectors due to their scarcity, cross-generational appeal, universal demand, and track record of maintaining high value.
Q. Why is it an Ideal buy for ICC in 2025?
1) Scarcity Drives Value:
Gold Prizms are traditionally limited to just 10 copies per card, making them one of the rarest parallels in any Panini Prizm release.
2) Established Demand:
Prizm’s dominance in the market is reflected by its consistent inclusion in discussions about high-value sets for basketball. Parallels like Prizm Silver and rarer versions such as Gold Prizms add significant value to rookie cards, making them long-term investment pieces.
Conclusion
The NBA card market is influenced by player performances, team success, and overall interest in the sport. A player’s injury or a team’s poor season can cause card values to plummet, so staying updated on the latest NBA news is crucial for collectors, and for that, signing up to our newsletter gets it covered for you.
