If you thought NBA action only heated up court-side, think again. The 2024-25 Topps Chrome Basketball release has dribbled into the market, quietly at first, but in record time, it has become the LeBron James of trading cards. Just one week in and the demand for these shiny collectibles has been as relentless as a Steph Curry three-point spree. Collectors and investors alike are tearing into hobby boxes with the fervor of fanboys at a championship meet-and-greet, and the secondary market? It’s in overdrive, responding with a robust uptick in sales quicker than a fast break.
Let’s lace up and start with the “Let’s Go” SSPs – the eye candy of this edition. These inserts are eye-popping, reminiscent of that vintage ‘90s style that hits the nostalgia sweet spot, but they’re also a serious business. Take, for example, a certain Steph Curry card that recently claimed a cool $200 on eBay. A LeBron James equivalent holding the airwaves at $130 isn’t exactly chump change. And enter the rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama; his “Let’s Go” piece caught $120. It seems the price tags are enjoying a slam dunk, shooting for the sky before the product has even completed its second weekend in the market. That’s pretty much an All-Star caliber performance for trading cards.
For those whose hearts skip a beat at the thought of inked memorabilia, the autographs in the set are real charmers. LeBron James autograph cards are floating around like rareness personified—so far, only two have splashed into the marketplace, each leaving wallets $2,500 lighter via best offer negotiations. Wembanyama’s golden 10/10 auto recently tipped the scales, closing at a notable $800 at auction. Enter the rookie class—and enter Bronny James Jr., whose autograph card exchanged paper for plastic at a decent $145. Alexandre Sarr added his piece to the action, grabbing $110. These autographed gems are creating a frenzy, an electrifying mix of hype-fueled buzz and bona fide chase value.
Of course, the pièce de résistance of the set—the Superfractors. These 1-of-1 treasures are the ultimate flex in card collecting. Though many still remain elusive, the appearance of the Trae Young Superfractor has added fuel to the fire. This precious gem commanded a mere $172 at auction which, to the seasoned collector, seems like a hidden gem in its own right, especially considering how much higher these cards can soar as more set enthusiasts dive into the fray.
With collectors clamoring to unpack these treasures, one might expect the cost of hobby boxes to shoot through the roof. Surprisingly, they’ve remained as approachable as a friendly game of backyard H-O-R-S-E. You can purchase a box for somewhere between $150 and $200, depending on where your treasure hunt begins. For collectors on both sides of the court—weekend enthusiasts seeking a leisurely rip and dedicated chasers tracking the holy grails—these prices make the hobby boxes an attractive buy-in.
In the world of basketball cards, the marketplace is often as unpredictable and dynamic as a last-minute buzzer beater. Yet, it seems the Topps Chrome Basketball release is positioning itself as an undisputed early champion of the new season. The cards are bursting with colorful inserts, each set offering a chance at coveted autographs and rare parallels still waiting to be unearthed from the depths of packed boxes. This impressive lineup has collectors pivoting back to Topps with enthusiasm. It’s safe to say that this set, much like its featured athletes, won’t be resting on the bench anytime soon.
As the trading card universe orbits with effervescent energy, there’s no denying the pull of these pleasantly packaged gems. Whether you’re a collector in it for the nostalgia hit, the thrill of the chase, or the promising investment potential—2024 Topps Chrome Basketball is the place where all those lines converge. So, if you haven’t yet dived into this pool of potential, lace up those sneakers, get a grip on that wallet, and perhaps you’ll find yourself holding onto a piece of cardboard history-in-the-making. It’s game time, collectors, and the clock is ticking.
