Tuesday, June 14, 2016
BCP#19 Kyrie & LBJ go crazy, Legacies affected, Preview final game(s) & Eminence final case update
6/14/16 – I discuss and give thankyous for the third and final update to my Eminence case - discuss Draymond Green’s suspension - Game 5 performance by Kyrie Irving and Lebron James - and look ahead to the final one or two games of the series - How this series impacts the key players legacies, and who wins finals MVP?
My Panini Eminence Box - Update Number 3 - A Final Update?
More than six months after starting, the hunting and gathering for my 2014-15 Panini Eminence build-a-box appears to be complete. A big thank you is certainly necessary to many of you. Many texts, Blowout PM's, and messages via eBay were sent my way, notifying me of items that may be a fit for my case. Thank you, thank you, thank you for all the help.
Approximately 10 times have cards been replaced and upgraded. I'm grateful to say that only once - the Kobe Bryant Championship tag - was a card removed for a lesser card and it was sold to help a friend with his collection. This is a sign of my focus to not sell - even in the face of profit - a temptation I have given into more times than I would care to admit. I have made only one card available for sale publicly, the Stephen Curry Auto Patch /10, and that was only because I was so angry about my Thunder getting beaten in 7 games. Rest assured that when the 30 day listing is up, it will not be relisted.
As the project progressed, my goal became clearer, yet increasingly complex. To compile the greatest 9 card case of eminence while highlighting the variety of the product as well as the history of basketball. Sounds easy enough, right? Not so much.
I had to make decisions about what parts of the history of the NBA and what sets in Eminence were most important. I leaned heavily towards current and recent NBA history, and found 5 cards of current players - including one of a nearly retired star - while also focusing on the greats of the 80's and 90's and in one case the 50's and 60's. I leaned towards the inclusion of high quality patches over precious metals, while acknowledging the quality of the Silver and Gold, including one of each on the first tray - but make no mistake, for me the real beauty of Eminence is in the autographed Patch cards.
I upgraded several key unique patch cards in favor of platinum variation 1/1's. The removal of some of these was, besides the sell of the Kobe Championship tag, the most difficult of the process. In the end, I wanted 1/1's of the cards and players which I could somewhat afford. Curry and Kobe being the obvious offenders. I have never considered myself to be a "high-roller", and those cards from the beginning have basically been unattainable.
To allow in my mind for the ownership of some of these replaced cards, I have purchased a second empty Eminence box. It is already nearly full - Yes, this is the moment where you can accuse me of having "a problem". :)
The next group of cards are these cards previously mentioned, I like to call them....
Chris Paul Gold Patch Autograph /5 - Because there can be only one CP3
Kevin Durant Silver Oz Logoman Auto /10 - In some ways, this was my most difficult removal. In a project like this where both the player and the card have to be weighed, this card just misses the cut. The Eminence Silver Oz Logoman set is amazing, but it didn't quite make the cut.
James Harden Championship Tags Patch Auto /2 - Lastly, and most difficult of all, the James Harden. This set is one of the highlights of Eminence. It's absence in my case is felt, but the facts that Harden was not part of either of the championship teams that this tag was created for, and his team's less-than-optimal performance during this season both contribute to the removal from the case. It is still a great card. One that I am not seeking to unload. But it missed the cut.
In the end, there could only be nine. Four horizontal spots and five vertical. 5 spots on the first tray and 4 on the back.
The symmetry was also taken into consideration. How do the cards line up and look next to each other. In a lot of ways, eliminating the James Harden was a result of another card being a better on the back tray next to the Larry Bird USA Patch Auto.
Approximately 10 times have cards been replaced and upgraded. I'm grateful to say that only once - the Kobe Bryant Championship tag - was a card removed for a lesser card and it was sold to help a friend with his collection. This is a sign of my focus to not sell - even in the face of profit - a temptation I have given into more times than I would care to admit. I have made only one card available for sale publicly, the Stephen Curry Auto Patch /10, and that was only because I was so angry about my Thunder getting beaten in 7 games. Rest assured that when the 30 day listing is up, it will not be relisted.
As the project progressed, my goal became clearer, yet increasingly complex. To compile the greatest 9 card case of eminence while highlighting the variety of the product as well as the history of basketball. Sounds easy enough, right? Not so much.
I had to make decisions about what parts of the history of the NBA and what sets in Eminence were most important. I leaned heavily towards current and recent NBA history, and found 5 cards of current players - including one of a nearly retired star - while also focusing on the greats of the 80's and 90's and in one case the 50's and 60's. I leaned towards the inclusion of high quality patches over precious metals, while acknowledging the quality of the Silver and Gold, including one of each on the first tray - but make no mistake, for me the real beauty of Eminence is in the autographed Patch cards.
I upgraded several key unique patch cards in favor of platinum variation 1/1's. The removal of some of these was, besides the sell of the Kobe Championship tag, the most difficult of the process. In the end, I wanted 1/1's of the cards and players which I could somewhat afford. Curry and Kobe being the obvious offenders. I have never considered myself to be a "high-roller", and those cards from the beginning have basically been unattainable.
To allow in my mind for the ownership of some of these replaced cards, I have purchased a second empty Eminence box. It is already nearly full - Yes, this is the moment where you can accuse me of having "a problem". :)
The next group of cards are these cards previously mentioned, I like to call them....
THE REPLACED
This section includes cards that were once a part of the Build-A-Case, but are now not included in the 9 card case. This does not include cards that were originally included in the Build-A-Case, and are now in the base set (in progress). This also does not include cards that have been moved - The Kobe Championship tag and additionally, the Penny Hardaway Gold Gilded Graphs.
Let's get to it.
Karl Malone USA Patch Auto /10 - replaced because there was only space for one mailman.
Chris Webber Gold Patch Autograph /5
Kevin Durant Silver Oz Logoman Auto /10 - In some ways, this was my most difficult removal. In a project like this where both the player and the card have to be weighed, this card just misses the cut. The Eminence Silver Oz Logoman set is amazing, but it didn't quite make the cut.
James Harden Championship Tags Patch Auto /2 - Lastly, and most difficult of all, the James Harden. This set is one of the highlights of Eminence. It's absence in my case is felt, but the facts that Harden was not part of either of the championship teams that this tag was created for, and his team's less-than-optimal performance during this season both contribute to the removal from the case. It is still a great card. One that I am not seeking to unload. But it missed the cut.
THE FINAL NINE
In the end, there could only be nine. Four horizontal spots and five vertical. 5 spots on the first tray and 4 on the back.
The symmetry was also taken into consideration. How do the cards line up and look next to each other. In a lot of ways, eliminating the James Harden was a result of another card being a better on the back tray next to the Larry Bird USA Patch Auto.
Front Tray
Front tray, top left - ANTHONY DAVIS PLATINUM PATCH AUTO 1/1. Easily the youngest player in the case, Davis's story and legacy is yet to be written. He has all the talent in the world. But can he stay healthy? A few of AD's key cards have yet to surface from Eminence, but as far as the one's that have, this is my pick for the best one.
Front tray, top left - KARL MALONE PLATINUM PATCH AUTO 1/1. It wasn't easy pushing the Malone USA Patch to the side. But with the 1/1 designation and of course THAT PATCH, it was the right move. As most of the best Karl Malone's from Eminence have surfaced, I feel comfortable at this stage declaring this to be the best one I have seen to date. I'm not sure Panini has made a nicer card of the Mailman.
Front tray, bottom left - KOBE BRYANT SILVER Oz LOGOMAN AUTO /10. I can't say enough about this card. The Autograph is perfect. The foil and the silver are perfect in hand. The card weights about 4 ounces. It's incredible. Would I love to upgrade to a tag or high quality patch? I have thought about that, but I want more than just a single spot in the case for precious metals - so in the end, this is the fit.
Front tray, bottom middle - STEPHEN CURRY PATCH AUTO /10. With less than 20 total patch autographs out of Eminence of Curry this is not an easy card to find - but given what he has done for the NBA the last couple years, the case would be empty without him.
Front tray, bottom right - BILL RUSSELL GOLD Oz LOGOMAN AUTO 1/1. I had to have one gold card. I had to represent more of the history of basketball than just the recent past. This was the way to fulfill each criteria.Eleven Championships, that's a lot of gold. This is the only gold card of Bill Russell in Eminence.
The Back Tray
Back tray, top left - LARRY BIRD USA PATCH AUTO PLATINUM 1/1. USA LOGO. As the best card in the case, Bird takes his spot in the back representing Team USA, the perfect tag, the best of the 1980's, and the magic of Eminence. For over a decade now, the hobby has viewed the "logo man auto" as the pinnacle for a player's non-rookie best card. This card, in my humble opinion trumps any and all Bird Logoman autos. How many game worn USA tags have been made? This is the only one that I am aware of - of any player. Combine that with the autograph, the 1/1 marking, and the Eminence price point, and you have the best modern Larry Bird in existence.
Back tray, top right - CHRIS PAUL USA PATCH AUTO PLATINUM 1/1. With Bird representing the original Team USA, Paul represents today. The two serve as bookends for the modern Team USA.With a solid patch and a streak free, gorgeous autograph, this is likely the best Chris Paul card from Eminence.
Back tray, bottom left - SCOTTIE PIPPEN ENSHRINED PATCH AUTO PLATINUM 1/1 - Nothing in Eminence has been as polarizing as the gold ink. But there is little debate when it comes to this set. The blue ink, the perfect amount of foil and an ideal patch window give this set the perfect combination of Hall of Fame brilliance. It's a small, 10 card set, and one of the most collectible of Eminence. Without Jordan, Scottie Pippen alone represents the historic 90's Bulls in Eminence. It's my opinion that this is one of his top two cards out of the product - the other being the USA Patch Auto 1/1, which has yet to surface to my knowledge as of the date of this writing.
Back tray, bottom right - DIRK NOWITZKI GILDED GRAPHS PLATINUM AUTO 1/1 - The Final piece of the case, Dirk stands out as a top 5 player since the turn of the century. Similar to the Enshrined set, the Gilded Graphs set uses a beautiful blue pen with just the right amount of foil. The set is gorgeous. The autograph on this particular card is placed perfectly. It is the second best Nowitzki to surface to date, only surpassed by the 1/1 Auto star patch which closed on eBay earlier this year for nearly $3700.
Back tray, top right - CHRIS PAUL USA PATCH AUTO PLATINUM 1/1. With Bird representing the original Team USA, Paul represents today. The two serve as bookends for the modern Team USA.With a solid patch and a streak free, gorgeous autograph, this is likely the best Chris Paul card from Eminence.
Back tray, bottom left - SCOTTIE PIPPEN ENSHRINED PATCH AUTO PLATINUM 1/1 - Nothing in Eminence has been as polarizing as the gold ink. But there is little debate when it comes to this set. The blue ink, the perfect amount of foil and an ideal patch window give this set the perfect combination of Hall of Fame brilliance. It's a small, 10 card set, and one of the most collectible of Eminence. Without Jordan, Scottie Pippen alone represents the historic 90's Bulls in Eminence. It's my opinion that this is one of his top two cards out of the product - the other being the USA Patch Auto 1/1, which has yet to surface to my knowledge as of the date of this writing.
Back tray, bottom right - DIRK NOWITZKI GILDED GRAPHS PLATINUM AUTO 1/1 - The Final piece of the case, Dirk stands out as a top 5 player since the turn of the century. Similar to the Enshrined set, the Gilded Graphs set uses a beautiful blue pen with just the right amount of foil. The set is gorgeous. The autograph on this particular card is placed perfectly. It is the second best Nowitzki to surface to date, only surpassed by the 1/1 Auto star patch which closed on eBay earlier this year for nearly $3700.
CONCLUSION
The Eminence Build-a-case project has been one of the most enjoyable projects that I have done in this hobby a long time. The final product is better that I would have dared to dream when I started - and that is largely thanks to those friends that I have made through Blowoutcards, The Basketball Card Podcast, and this Blog. Thank you, thank you, thank you, again for your help, to those of you who assisted in this.
Again, thank you to those of you came along for the ride. It was a blast.
Best,
Adam
Wednesday, June 8, 2016
BCP#18 GSW vs CLE - Lebron's Legacy - NBA is broken - and MJ Manipulation?
In this episode I discuss the GSW vs CLE series after the first two games- both beatdowns - and the effect to Lebron's Legacy. Also, the imbalance in the NBA's conferences, some ideas on how to think about fixing the problems, and is there manipulation in the Jordan market?
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
BCP #17 - OKC vs GS - Recap of NT - Mailbag
I'm back! After three weeks away, the basketball card podcast has returned.
In this episode I discuss the Thunder's run, and the amazing series against the Warriors, a recap of National Treasures Basketball, a look ahead and we hit the mailbag.
Thank you all for all your support!
Happy collecting!!
In this episode I discuss the Thunder's run, and the amazing series against the Warriors, a recap of National Treasures Basketball, a look ahead and we hit the mailbag.
Thank you all for all your support!
Happy collecting!!
Tuesday, May 3, 2016
BCP #16 Playoff Craziness and National Treasures BK releases next week!
In this weeks episode we review the past week of playoff basketball, including the crazy endings, the officiating, and Kyle Lowry's buzzer beater.
Lastly, we take a look at National Treasures Basketball - the previews so far. What I like and what I don't like - and the value it has in our hobby with the products release scheduled for next week.
Lastly, we take a look at National Treasures Basketball - the previews so far. What I like and what I don't like - and the value it has in our hobby with the products release scheduled for next week.
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
My Panini Eminence Box - Update Number 2
We're getting closer.
In fact, we may have arrived.
This week I received two pieces of the Eminence case that allow me to step back and look at it and say "this is pretty complete".
I have struggled to find the proper balance between the history of the game and the legends of today. I naturally lean towards the retired legends of the past, but recognize that the beauty of card collecting is that the past is stagnant, and while we can appreciate it, it is the here-and-now that allows the hobby to thrive and is most unpredictable.
I moved the Anfernee Hardaway to a friend who wanted it to allow the pickup of this gem. Sporting one of the best patches from the Clippers uniform that you can conceive of, this gold foiled beauty is one of CP3's best from Eminence. Mr. Paul, although overlooked currently, mostly due to the greatness of Mr. Curry, has owned the position for the past decade. He's a "living legend" not just because he's alive but because, even at 30, and in his eleventh NBA season, he's unquestionably a top 10 NBA player.
I intentionally sought after a young star whose legacy is yet to be written. There was really only one choice. He will likely be overlooked these next couple years as his team rebuilds - hopefully the right way this time - but there is no denying the potential NBA changing dominance that awaits.
Now that the nine card case is reasonably complete, the task shifts from completion to upgrading. If you come across any pieces that you feel would allow me to upgrade my case, please reach out. I would love any opportunity to trade for or purchase any super high end cards from the first year of Eminence.
In fact, we may have arrived.
This week I received two pieces of the Eminence case that allow me to step back and look at it and say "this is pretty complete".
I have struggled to find the proper balance between the history of the game and the legends of today. I naturally lean towards the retired legends of the past, but recognize that the beauty of card collecting is that the past is stagnant, and while we can appreciate it, it is the here-and-now that allows the hobby to thrive and is most unpredictable.
I moved the Anfernee Hardaway to a friend who wanted it to allow the pickup of this gem. Sporting one of the best patches from the Clippers uniform that you can conceive of, this gold foiled beauty is one of CP3's best from Eminence. Mr. Paul, although overlooked currently, mostly due to the greatness of Mr. Curry, has owned the position for the past decade. He's a "living legend" not just because he's alive but because, even at 30, and in his eleventh NBA season, he's unquestionably a top 10 NBA player.
I intentionally sought after a young star whose legacy is yet to be written. There was really only one choice. He will likely be overlooked these next couple years as his team rebuilds - hopefully the right way this time - but there is no denying the potential NBA changing dominance that awaits.
Now that the nine card case is reasonably complete, the task shifts from completion to upgrading. If you come across any pieces that you feel would allow me to upgrade my case, please reach out. I would love any opportunity to trade for or purchase any super high end cards from the first year of Eminence.
A pretty good week of Mail
The funny thing about our hobby, is often times, we all overlook what's truly undervalued. Sticker auto's have long been relegated to the bottom shelf, and values have reflected this. But at some point, if history has taught us anything about the value of collectibles, we go too far. Are we there? This triple auto of three of the great Celtics of the 50s and 60s is a case in point. Serial numbered to 10, and at a cost of under $100, I think it's safe to say that we're there.
The "Vintage" Chrome refractor rookie market continues to boom. The slow growth that we have seen over the last 3 years has turned into explosion this year. The last PSA 9 copy of the below card closed at over $400 earlier this month. A price that would have seemed insane only a year ago. What changed? Hobby perspective.
Perhaps the iconic set from the "Year of Flux", 2009-10. You can spend $6k on a Curry, or $300 on your future Laker, Demar Derozan.
One of the little known Legends autograph sets, this set is a tough one to come by singles. Don't even think about just starting this set now. Singles almost never come up for auction, and when they do, the most common cards will run you $60-$150.Perhaps the least mentioned of Panini's frailties, the ability to land consistent on-card multi-player autographed cards.
The two greatest Miami Heat players? Well, maybe two of the three? In a Heat uniform? We may never see the day... but until then (which it probably won't) we can just pretend King James and Zo are wearing the Heat Flames. Cool?
The future Laker again. This time on his best rookie card. The only semi-affordable RPA from 09-10 of an All-Star level player. Likely one of the best 10 patches in the run of 99.
Undoubtedly, the most difficult auto from the famous "NBA's greatest 50", a nearly impossible autograph to pull, and the only pack inserted auto I have ever owned of the man, they called Pistol.
The "Vintage" Chrome refractor rookie market continues to boom. The slow growth that we have seen over the last 3 years has turned into explosion this year. The last PSA 9 copy of the below card closed at over $400 earlier this month. A price that would have seemed insane only a year ago. What changed? Hobby perspective.
Perhaps the iconic set from the "Year of Flux", 2009-10. You can spend $6k on a Curry, or $300 on your future Laker, Demar Derozan.
One of the little known Legends autograph sets, this set is a tough one to come by singles. Don't even think about just starting this set now. Singles almost never come up for auction, and when they do, the most common cards will run you $60-$150.Perhaps the least mentioned of Panini's frailties, the ability to land consistent on-card multi-player autographed cards.
The two greatest Miami Heat players? Well, maybe two of the three? In a Heat uniform? We may never see the day... but until then (which it probably won't) we can just pretend King James and Zo are wearing the Heat Flames. Cool?
The future Laker again. This time on his best rookie card. The only semi-affordable RPA from 09-10 of an All-Star level player. Likely one of the best 10 patches in the run of 99.
Undoubtedly, the most difficult auto from the famous "NBA's greatest 50", a nearly impossible autograph to pull, and the only pack inserted auto I have ever owned of the man, they called Pistol.
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