2013-14 Fleer Retro Basketball Cards
 | $2,749.95 |  |
Product Details
The ode to 1990s hoops nostalgia is back with 2013-14 Fleer Retro Basketball. Featuring a new configuration, the number of autographs are dialed back, but so too should be the price. Boxes come with two signed cards instead of six, which was the case in 2011-12 and 2012-13. Old school-inspired inserts remain the product's calling card.
Leading the insert charge are premium designs, which combine to fall four per box. The list of featured sets include:
- Precious Metal Gems (#/150 or less)
- SkyBox Premium Star Rubies (#/150 or less)
- Exclamation Points (1:240 packs)
- Final Four Stars (1:36 packs)
- Golden Touch (1:120 packs)
- Maximum Metal (1:60 packs)
- Meltdown (1:60 packs)
- Michael Jordan Career Highlights (1:60 packs)
- N-Tense (1:120 packs)
- Power in the Key (1:60 packs)
- Star Power Supreme (1:216 packs)
- Team Leaders (1:90 packs)
- Ultra Scoring Kings (1:60 packs)
PMGs stick with a Red, Blue and Green color scheme. Veterans use the 1995-96 Metal Basketball design, set that didn't originally have the parallels. Rookies feature the look of 1997-98 Metal.
Metal cards are also used as basic inserts in 2013-14 Fleer Retro Basketball. These land two per box. Similarly, boxes have six SkyBox Premium cards that use the set's 1996-97, 1997-98 and 1998-99 designs. These are the basis of the Star Rubies parallels.
One of the two promised autographs uses the 1992-93 Fleer Rookie Sensations design as its template. More rookie signatures can be found with 1995-96 Ultra and 1999-00 SkyBox Prime Time styles. The product also has signatures with multiple Autographics designs as well as buyback autographs.
The 2013-14 Fleer Retro Basketball base set has 60 cards.
Product Configuration: 18 packs per box, 5 cards per pack
Price Point: Mid- to High-End Basketball Card
Target Audience: Nostalgic Collectors, Fans of 1990s Inserts, Autograph Collectors, PMG Collectors
2013-14 Fleer Retro Basketball Box Break
- 2 Autographs
- 4 Premium Inserts
- 2 Fleer Metal Inserts
- 6 SkyBox Premium Inserts
- 6 Fleer Ultra Inserts
- 90 Total Cards
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Set Checklist
2013-14 Fleer Retro Basketball Set Checklist
Base Set Checklist
2 Rajon Rondo
3 Glenn Robinson
4 Dennis Rodman
5 Elvin Hayes
6 Donyell Marshall
7 Calbert Cheaney
8 Antoine Walker
9 David Thompson
10 Kerry Kittles
11 Grant Hill
12 Dominique Wilkins
13 Tim Hardaway
14 Alonzo Mourning
15 Anfernee Hardaway
16 Jason Kidd
17 Kenny Anderson
18 Paul George
19 Isiah Thomas
20 Bill Walton
22 Jay Williams
23 Larry Johnson
24 Jerry Lucas
25 Joe Smith
26 James Harden
27 Otis Birdsong
28 Derek Harper
29 Sam Perkins
30 Bill Russell
31 David Robinson
32 Reggie Miller
33 Hakeem Olajuwon
34 Larry Bird
35 Clyde Drexler
36 Julius Erving
37 Karl Malone
38 Christian Laettner
39 LeBron James
40 Michael Jordan
Base Rookies Set Checklist
42 Jamaal Franklin
43 Shane Larkin
44 Lucas Nogueira
45 Isaiah Canaan
46 Tim Hardaway Jr.
47 Giannis Antetokounmpo
48 Livio Jean-Charles
49 Archie Goodwin
50 Solomon Hill
52 Dennis Schroeder
53 Skylar Diggins
54 Grant Jerrett
55 Rudy Gobert
56 Allen Crabbe
57 Tony Snell
58 Reggie Bullock
59 Sergey Karasev
60 Deshaun Thomas
Base Autographs Set Checklist
4 Dennis Rodman C
5 Elvin Hayes G
6 Donyell Marshall G
7 Calbert Cheaney G
8 Antoine Walker G
9 David Thompson E
10 Kerry Kittles G
11 Grant Hill D
12 Dominique Wilkins C
13 Tim Hardaway G
14 Alonzo Mourning C
17 Kenny Anderson E
18 Paul George B
19 Isiah Thomas C
21 Danny Manning E
22 Jay Williams G
23 Larry Johnson C
24 Jerry Lucas F
26 James Harden B
27 Otis Birdsong G
29 Sam Perkins B
30 Bill Russell A
31 David Robinson B
33 Hakeem Olajuwon B
34 Larry Bird A
37 Karl Malone B
38 Christian Laettner G
39 LeBron James A
40 Michael Jordan A
41 Mason Plumlee E
42 Jamaal Franklin G
43 Shane Larkin E
45 Isaiah Canaan F
46 Tim Hardaway Jr. E
47 Giannis Antetokounmpo F
48 Livio Jean-Charles F
49 Archie Goodwin E
50 Solomon Hill D
52 Dennis Schroeder D
53 Skylar Diggins D
54 Grant Jerrett F
58 Reggie Bullock F
60 Deshaun Thomas F
Skybox Premium (1996-97) Set Checklist
62 Jason Kidd
63 Corliss Williamson
64 Shawn Bradley
65 Donyell Marshall
66 Bo Kimble
67 Grant Hill
68 Jay Williams
69 Dave Cowens
70 Allen Iverson
71 Alonzo Mourning
72 Kenny Anderson
73 Elvin Hayes
74 Otis Birdsong
75 Hakeem Olajuwon
76 Derek Harper
77 Tim Hardaway
78 Calbert Cheaney
79 Keith Smart
80 Isiah Thomas
81 Larry Bird
82 Danny Manning
83 Dominique Wilkins
84 Rajon Rondo
85 Antoine Walker
86 Karl Malone
87 Buck Williams
88 Joe Smith
89 Julius Erving
90 Anfernee Hardaway
92 Glen Rice
93 Micheal Ray Richardson
94 David Robinson
95 Spud Webb
96 David Thompson
97 Toni Kukoc
98 James Harden
99 Paul George
100 Sam Perkins
101 Michael Jordan
102 John Havlicek
103 Jerry Lucas
104 Jerry Stackhouse
105 Clyde Drexler
106 Bill Russell
107 Alex English
108 Dennis Rodman
109 LeBron James
110 Stacey Augmon
111 Allan Houston
112 Bill Walton
113 Reggie Miller
114 Theo Ratliff
115 Larry Johnson
116 Mason Plumlee
117 Skylar Diggins
118 Shane Larkin
119 Lucas Nogueira
120 Tim Hardaway Jr.
Skybox Premium (1997-98) Set Checklist
122 Allen Iverson
123 Alonzo Mourning
124 Hakeem Olajuwon
125 Isiah Thomas
126 Larry Bird
127 Rajon Rondo
128 Karl Malone
129 Julius Erving
130 Anfernee Hardaway
132 David Robinson
133 Michael Jordan
134 Paul George
135 James Harden
136 Bill Russell
137 Dennis Rodman
138 LeBron James
139 Reggie Miller
140 Larry Johnson
Skybox Premium (1998-99) Set Checklist
142 Allen Iverson
143 Alonzo Mourning
144 Hakeem Olajuwon
145 Isiah Thomas
146 Larry Bird
147 Rajon Rondo
148 Karl Malone
149 Julius Erving
150 Anfernee Hardaway
152 David Robinson
153 Michael Jordan
154 Paul George
155 James Harden
156 Bill Russell
157 Dennis Rodman
158 LeBron James
159 Reggie Miller
160 Larry Johnson
Fleer Ultra Veterans (1995-96) Set Checklist
162 Grant Hill
163 Allen Iverson
164 Alonzo Mourning
165 Hakeem Olajuwon
166 Isiah Thomas
167 Larry Bird
168 Ron Mercer
169 Rajon Rondo
170 Karl Malone
171 Joe Smith
172 Julius Erving
173 Anfernee Hardaway
174 Jerry Stackhouse
175 David Robinson
177 Michael Jordan
178 Dominique Wilkins
179 LaPhonso Ellis
180 Jason Kidd
181 Jerry Lucas
182 Glenn Robinson
183 James Harden
184 Bill Russell
185 Dennis Rodman
186 LeBron James
187 Reggie Miller
188 Larry Johnson
189 Paul George
190 Clyde Drexler
Fleer Ultra Rookies (1995-96) Set Checklist
192 Nemanja Nedovic
193 Mason Plumlee
194 Jamaal Franklin
195 Shane Larkin
196 Isaiah Canaan
197 Tim Hardaway Jr.
198 Livio Jean-Charles
199 Archie Goodwin
200 Skylar Diggins
201 Andre Roberson
202 Sergey Karasev
203 Erick Green
204 Ryan Kelly
205 Peyton Siva
207 Lucas Nogueira
208 Giannis Antetokounmpo
209 Brandon Paul
210 Allen Crabbe
211 Will Clyburn
212 Adonis Thomas
213 Rudy Gobert
214 Pierre Jackson
215 Reggie Bullock
216 Tony Snell
217 Deshaun Thomas
218 Lorenzo Brown
219 Phil Pressey
220 Dennis Schroeder
Fleer Ultra Autographs (1995-96) Set Checklist
162 Grant Hill B
165 Hakeem Olajuwon A
166 Isiah Thomas B
167 Larry Bird A
170 Karl Malone A
174 Jerry Stackhouse A
175 David Robinson A
177 Michael Jordan A
178 Dominique Wilkins B
183 James Harden B
184 Bill Russell A
185 Dennis Rodman A
186 LeBron James A
188 Larry Johnson A
189 Paul George A
197 Tim Hardaway Jr. C
200 Skylar Diggins C
208 Giannis Antetokounmpo C
Fleer Metal Universe Veterans (1995-96) Set Checklist
222 Grant Hill
223 Jay Williams
224 Allen Iverson
225 Alonzo Mourning
226 Kenny Anderson
227 Hakeem Olajuwon
228 Jerry Stackhouse
229 Paul George
230 Isiah Thomas
231 Larry Bird
232 Rajon Rondo
233 Karl Malone
234 Joe Smith
235 Julius Erving
237 Clyde Drexler
238 David Robinson
239 Dominique Wilkins
240 Michael Jordan
241 Jerry Lucas
242 John Havlicek
243 Glenn Robinson
244 Bill Russell
245 James Harden
246 Dennis Rodman
247 LeBron James
248 Reggie Miller
249 Larry Johnson
250 Tim Hardaway
Metal Universe Rookies (1997-98) Set Checklist
252 Giannis Antetokounmpo
253 Lucas Nogueira
254 Dennis Schroeder
255 Shane Larkin
256 Sergey Karasev
257 Tony Snell
258 Mason Plumlee
259 Solomon Hill
260 Tim Hardaway Jr.
261 Reggie Bullock
262 Andre Roberson
263 Rudy Gobert
264 Livio Jean-Charles
265 Archie Goodwin
267 Allen Crabbe
268 Isaiah Canaan
269 Grant Jerrett
270 Jamaal Franklin
271 Pierre Jackson
272 Ricardo Ledo
273 Mike Muscala
274 Erick Green
275 Ryan Kelly
276 Lorenzo Brown
277 Peyton Siva
278 Deshaun Thomas
279 C.J. Leslie
280 Seth Curry
Autographics (1996-97) Set Checklist
96AU-DC Dave Cowens D
96AU-DM Donyell Marshall D
96AU-EJ Eddie Jones B
96AU-JH James Harden A
96AU-JL Jerry Lucas C
96AU-SA Stacey Augmon C
96AU-WI Jay Williams B
Autographics (1997-98) Set Checklist
97AU-AH Allan Houston E
97AU-AW Antoine Walker D
97AU-EH Elvin Hayes E
97AU-GH Grant Hill C
97AU-HO Hakeem Olajuwon B
97AU-KA Kenny Anderson E
97AU-KM Karl Malone B
Autographics (1998-99) Set Checklist
98AU-CC Calbert Cheaney E
98AU-CL Christian Laettner D
98AU-DM Danny Manning D
98AU-JH James Harden A
98AU-JL Jerry Lucas C
98AU-PG Paul George B
Autographics (1999-00) Set Checklist
99AU-DS Detlef Schrempf D
99AU-HM Harold Miner D
99AU-IT Isiah Thomas B
99AU-KM Karl Malone A
99AU-RO Dennis Rodman A
Autographics (2000-01) Set Checklist
00AU-AM Alonzo Mourning C
00AU-BJ B.J. Young F
00AU-BK Bo Kimble F
00AU-BR Bill Russell A
00AU-CC Calbert Cheaney F
00AU-CM Cheryl Miller D
00AU-DC Dave Cowens D
00AU-DM Donyell Marshall F
00AU-DR David Robinson B
00AU-DS Dennis Schroeder E
00AU-GH Grant Hill C
00AU-HA Tim Hardaway E
00AU-HM Harold Miner F
00AU-HO Hakeem Olajuwon B
00AU-IT Isiah Thomas C
00AU-JA LeBron James A
00AU-JL Jerry Lucas D
00AU-JO Michael Jordan B
00AU-JW Jay Williams D
00AU-KM Karl Malone B
00AU-KS Keith Smart B
00AU-LB Larry Bird B
00AU-LJ Larry Johnson C
00AU-MJ Magic Johnson B
00AU-MR Micheal Ray Richardson F
00AU-OB Otis Birdsong B
00AU-PS Peyton Siva F
00AU-RH Robert Horry E
00AU-RO Dennis Rodman C
00AU-RR Rajon Rondo C
00AU-SA Stacey Augmon C
00AU-SB Shawn Bradley F
00AU-SD Skylar Diggins D
00AU-SL Shane Larkin E
00AU-TH Tim Hardaway Jr. E
00AU-TK Toni Kukoc E
00AU-TR Theo Ratliff F
Final Four Stars Set Checklist
2 Bill Laimbeer
3 Bill Russell
4 Bill Walton
5 Calbert Cheaney
6 Cheryl Miller
7 Christian Laettner
8 Corliss Williamson
9 Danny Manning
10 David Thompson
11 Elvin Hayes
12 Glen Rice
13 Grant Hill
15 Isiah Thomas
16 Jamal Mashburn
17 Jerry Lucas
18 Peyton Siva
19 Keith Smart
20 Larry Bird
21 Larry Johnson
22 Kendall Gill
23 Ron Mercer
24 Michael Jordan
25 Sean Elliott
Final Four Stars Autographs Set Checklist
13 Grant Hill #/ 25
14 Hakeem Olajuwon #/ 25
15 Isiah Thomas #/ 25
17 Jerry Lucas #/ 25
21 Larry Johnson #/ 25
24 Michael Jordan #/ 15
25 Sean Elliott #/ 25
Fleer Rookie Sensations Autographs (1992-93) Set Checklist
RS-4 Jackie Carmichael
RS-5 Tim Hardaway Jr.
RS-6 Will Clyburn
RS-7 Shane Larkin
RS-9 Reggie Bullock
RS-10 Dennis Schroeder
RS-11 Isaiah Canaan
RS-12 Grant Jerrett
RS-14 Skylar Diggins
RS-15 Mike Muscala
RS-16 Livio Jean-Charles
RS-17 Solomon Hill
RS-18 Giannis Antetokounmpo
RS-20 Erick Green
RS-21 Elias Harris
RS-22 Nemanja Nedovic
Fleer Team Leaders (1992-93) Set Checklist
2 Allen Iverson
3 Otis Birdsong
4 Hakeem Olajuwon
5 Isiah Thomas
6 Larry Bird
7 Danny Manning
8 Dominique Wilkins
9 Karl Malone
10 Julius Erving
12 James Harden
13 David Robinson
14 David Thompson
15 Michael Jordan
16 Glenn Robinson
17 Dennis Rodman
18 LeBron James
19 Bill Walton
20 Larry Johnson
Fleer Team Leaders Autographs (1992-93) Set Checklist
4 Hakeem Olajuwon #/ 25
5 Isiah Thomas #/ 25
8 Dominique Wilkins #/ 25
9 Karl Malone #/ 25
13 David Robinson #/ 25
15 Michael Jordan #/ 15
18 LeBron James #/ 25
20 Larry Johnson #/ 25
Metal Universe Maximum Metal (1995-96) Set Checklist
2 Grant Hill
3 Allen Iverson
4 Hakeem Olajuwon
5 Larry Bird
6 Jason Kidd
7 Rajon Rondo
8 Karl Malone
9 Jerry Stackhouse
10 Julius Erving
12 Magic Johnson
13 David Robinson
14 Michael Jordan
15 Clyde Drexler
16 Bill Russell
17 LeBron James
18 Reggie Miller
19 Paul George
20 James Harden
Michael Jordan Career Highlights (1992-93) Set Checklist
2 Michael Jordan
3 Michael Jordan
4 Michael Jordan
5 Michael Jordan
6 Michael Jordan
7 Michael Jordan
8 Michael Jordan
9 Michael Jordan
10 Michael Jordan
11 Michael Jordan
12 Michael Jordan
13 Michael Jordan
14 Michael Jordan
15 Michael Jordan
Skybox Emotion N-Tense (1994-95) Set Checklist
2 Reggie Miller
3 Clyde Drexler
4 LeBron James
5 Bill Russell
6 Rajon Rondo
7 Michael Jordan
8 David Robinson
9 Magic Johnson
10 Anfernee Hardaway
12 Karl Malone
13 Dominique Wilkins
14 Paul George
15 Larry Bird
16 James Harden
17 Hakeem Olajuwon
18 Alonzo Mourning
19 Allen Iverson
20 Grant Hill
Skybox Premium Golden Touch (1996-97) Set Checklist
2 Allen Iverson
3 Alonzo Mourning
4 Hakeem Olajuwon
5 Isiah Thomas
6 Larry Bird
7 Rajon Rondo
8 Karl Malone
9 Julius Erving
10 Anfernee Hardaway
12 Jason Kidd
13 David Robinson
14 Michael Jordan
15 Dominique Wilkins
16 Bill Russell
17 LeBron James
18 Clyde Drexler
19 Reggie Miller
20 James Harden
Skybox Premium Meltdown (1995-96) Set Checklist
M2 Reggie Miller
M3 Clyde Drexler
M4 LeBron James
M5 Dennis Rodman
M6 Bill Russell
M7 Michael Jordan
M8 David Robinson
M9 Magic Johnson
M10 Julius Erving
M12 Rajon Rondo
M13 Jerry Stackhouse
M14 Larry Bird
M15 Hakeem Olajuwon
M16 James Harden
M17 Allen Iverson
M18 Grant Hill
M19 Paul George
M20 Tim Hardaway Jr.
Skybox Prime Time Rookie Autographs (1999-00) Set Checklist
4 PT Ryan Kelly #/ 60
5 PT Andre Roberson #/ 60
9 PT Dennis Schroeder #/ 60
10 PT Giannis Antetokounmpo #/ 60
15 PT Allen Crabbe #/ 99
16 PT Skylar Diggins #/ 60
17 PT Jamaal Franklin #/ 99
Skybox Prime Time Veteran Autos (1999-00) Set Checklist
5 PTV Dominique Wilkins #/ 25
6 PTV Hakeem Olajuwon #/ 25
7 PTV Larry Bird #/ 25
8 PTV Rajon Rondo #/ 15
10 PTV Julius Erving #/ 25
11 PTV Anfernee Hardaway #/ 25
13 PTV David Robinson #/ 25
15 PTV Michael Jordan #/ 15
16 PTV James Harden #/ 25
18 PTV LeBron James #/ 25
Ultra All Rookie Series Autos (1993-94) Set Checklist
ARS-2 Skylar Diggins B
Ultra Exclamation Points (1998) Set Checklist
2 EP Alonzo Mourning
3 EP Anfernee Hardaway
4 EP Bill Russell
5 EP Dominique Wilkins
6 EP James Harden
7 EP David Robinson
8 EP Reggie Miller
9 EP Jason Kidd
10 EP Paul George
11 EP Grant Hill
13 EP Isiah Thomas
14 EP Julius Erving
15 EP Karl Malone
16 EP Larry Bird
17 EP Larry Johnson
18 EP LeBron James
19 EP Jerry Stackhouse
20 EP Michael Jordan
21 EP Rajon Rondo
Ultra Power in the Key (1993-94) Set Checklist
2 Bill Russell
3 Buck Williams
4 Danny Manning
5 David Robinson
6 Dennis Rodman
7 Elvin Hayes
8 Hakeem Olajuwon
9 Jerry Lucas
10 Karl Malone
12 LeBron James
13 Michael Jordan
14 Antoine Walker
15 Bill Walton
16 Julius Erving
17 Corliss Williamson
18 Sam Perkins
19 Bill Laimbeer
20 Theo Ratliff
Ultra Scoring Kings (1993-94) Set Checklist
2 Allen Iverson
3 Bill Russell
4 Reggie Miller
5 Calbert Cheaney
6 Danny Manning
7 David Robinson
8 Dominique Wilkins
9 Elvin Hayes
10 Clyde Drexler
12 Julius Erving
13 Karl Malone
14 Larry Bird
15 Larry Johnson
16 LeBron James
17 Magic Johnson
18 Michael Jordan
19 Otis Birdsong
20 Grant Hill
Ultra Star Power Supreme (1997-98) Set Checklist
2 SPS Allen Iverson
3 SPS Alonzo Mourning
4 SPS Dominique Wilkins
5 SPS Paul George
6 SPS Hakeem Olajuwon
7 SPS Isiah Thomas
8 SPS Larry Bird
9 SPS James Harden
10 SPS Antoine Walker
11 SPS Julius Erving
13 SPS Clyde Drexler
14 SPS Glen Rice
15 SPS David Robinson
16 SPS Michael Jordan
17 SPS Bill Russell
18 SPS LeBron James
19 SPS Jerry Stackhouse
20 SPS Larry Johnson
21 SPS Jason Kidd
Buyback Autographs Set Checklist
16 David Robinson 96-97 E-X 2000 Net Assets
17 David Robinson 96-97 SkyBox Net Sets
SEC 2 SEAT 27 David Robinson 97-98 Flair Showcase Row 0
7 GU David Robinson 97-98 Metal Gold Universe
Veteran Buyback Autograph Redemptions Set Checklist
Anfernee Hardaway
Antoine Walker
Eddie Jones
Glen Rice
Glenn Robinson
Grant Hill
Hakeem Olajuwon
Jason Kidd
Jerry Stackhouse
Joe Smith
Karl Malone
Michael Jordan
Product Review
2013-14 Fleer Retro Basketball Product Review
Reviewed by Ryan Cracknell
Good: Nostalgia kick, inserts are fun, less focus on autographs means a stronger overall checklist.
Bad: Bland base set, different insert sets use the same photos.
The Bottom Line: I’m a big fan of "the good old days" of the 1990s. It’s when I grew up. It’s what I understand. It’s a big part of who I am today. It shouldn’t be surprising then that the nods to the ‘90s are my favorite parts of 2013-14 Fleer Retro. The toned-down configuration is a plus as this is a product where I think the autograph quality is lacking. It’s not so much in the signers but the execution of stickers with old designs that simply don’t work with them. Rather, it’s more about celebrating the good and the gaudy of the era’s inserts.
Card Design: 3.0/5.0
The running theme throughout the product is the 1990s. Other than that, it’s pretty much anything goes. With so many different designs, the final result is something of a mixed bag. But with the inserts, even the ones that don’t work, have the power of nostalgia so you reminisce. It’s a lot like Saved by the Bell in the sense that you know it’s bad, but you wouldn’t have it any other way.
However, there are a couple of things that could use changing.
The first is the base set. It’s boring. Sure, most people aren’t buying Retro for the base set. They want the throwbacks. How about taking the Ultra or SkyBox cards then and making them the base set instead of a low-end insert? Or maybe even go the route of Topps Archives Baseball and bring several low-end old-school designs together to build the base set? Rookies get one set, current players another and retired stars a third.
Another letdown is the autographs. Autographics are one of the greatest inserts in the history of the modern hobby. But they were design with on-card signatures in mind. They have a massive space for the autograph but here they’re relegated to small stickers. No matter the product, I’m not a big fan of stickers. However, when they’re integrated into the designs early on, they can be an acceptable necessary evil. Stickers weren’t around when these Autographics sets came out and they simply don’t work. As for the base autograph parallels, they might be new but they don’t feel like the designs were integrated other than a bit of fading.
That being said, Retro isn’t about autographs for me. This is the type of product where I’d love to see the inserts shine even more and have autographs taken out of the equation.
Checklist: 4.0/5.0
It’s nice to see products that thrive with basic inserts that capture people’s attention. With Retro, it’s not so much the hit as the cool bit of nostalgia the tougher inserts bring. Another benefit of this is that basic inserts can have loaded checklists. 2013-14 Fleer Retro Basketball does this very well.
The small base set further adds to the feeling of it being an afterthought, although the set builder in me was pleased that the box yielded a full base run.
Although I’m not the biggest fan of player exclusives, it is good to know that when you’re busting an Upper Deck basketball product, there’s a chance at something nice from Michael Jordan or LeBron James. But this works both ways. With Panini locking up many of the key NBA rookies, it makes for some noticeable gaps. Given the choice between the two, though, MJ and LeBron trump anyone from the 2013-14 rookie class.
Value: 4.0/5.0
A lot of times, when a good chunk of a product’s value is tied up in autographs and memorabilia cards, collectors are often left with a hit that trades for about the price of one pack (if that). That’s because content from big players costs a lot. But with Retro, it costs the same to make a Michael Jordan insert as it would his backup’s backup. Understandably, there are some big names throughout the various corners of the set. When you hit the bigger inserts, your chances of getting a big name are really decent. And while not all fetch big money, there should be enough there to have most collectors content given the price tag.
The Fun Factor: 3.8/5.0
I love nostalgia and the chance to visit things I might have missed the first time around. Take Precious Metal Gems, for instance. The originals are out of my price range given my level of interest. However, by including them here, I can see firsthand what all the hubbub is about. And I like them. There’s also a steady flow of big names coming from packs and lots of different designs. If Retro is going to stick around, I’d like to see a few more tweaks, but even as is, this is a fun product as long as you’re not only looking for autographs.
Click here to check out highlights from our box break.
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chad t
I pulled one of the 1/1 veteran buyback autos and got the MICHAEL JORDAN card!!!!!! It happened last summer