2024-25 Panini Origins Basketball Set Review and Checklist

William Mathis

February 23, 2025

	$389.00

$389.00

As of February 23, 2025, the 2024-25 Panini Origins Basketball set is poised to hit the market with its official hobby release scheduled for February 28, 2025, and the H2 version following on March 12, 2025. Known for its sleek, abstract designs and rookie-centric focus, Origins continues to carve out a unique niche in the basketball card collecting world. This review offers a detailed breakdown of the set’s structure, variations, inserts, parallels, and overall appeal, based on pre-release information and trends from prior Origins releases.

Overview and Configuration

The 2024-25 Panini Origins Basketball set maintains its reputation as a premium, hit-heavy product with a strong emphasis on the latest NBA rookie class alongside a curated selection of veterans and legends. Hobby boxes deliver a compact seven cards per pack (one pack per box), averaging two autographs or memorabilia cards, two base cards, two parallels, and one insert. The H2 configuration, aimed at a broader audience, offers six cards per pack across six packs per box, skipping the hits in favor of 14 rookies, two parallels, and five inserts on average. This dual-format approach ensures Origins appeals to both high-end collectors chasing autographs and casual hobbyists seeking variety and affordability.

The set size remains unconfirmed (TBA), but historical patterns suggest a concise checklist, likely around 100-150 cards, blending rookies and established stars. The limited base card output—only two per hobby box—keeps singles relatively scarce compared to mass-produced sets like Hoops or Donruss, enhancing their secondary market allure.

Base Set Design and Appeal

Origins is celebrated for its artistic flair, and the 2024-25 edition continues this tradition. The base cards feature players against an abstract, cosmic-inspired background, blending vibrant colors and subtle textures. This aesthetic sets Origins apart from the crisp, photo-driven designs of other Panini lines, offering a visually striking canvas that complements the chromium-style finish. Veterans like Stephen Curry and LeBron James share space with anticipated rookies such as Dalton Knecht, Donovan Clingan, and Reed Sheppard, reflecting the set’s “origins” theme of spotlighting players at the start of their NBA journeys.

The scarcity of base cards (two per hobby box, with variations possible) fuels a sense of exclusivity, though it may frustrate set builders. The design’s boldness ensures these cards pop in any collection, whether sleeved in a binder or displayed in a case.

Parallels: A Rainbow of Rarity

Parallels are a cornerstone of Origins, with hobby and H2 boxes each guaranteeing two per box. These variations elevate the base set with a mix of colors, patterns, and limited print runs, catering to collectors who relish the chase. Here’s a detailed breakdown based on available pre-release insights:

Hobby-Exclusive Parallels

Red: A staple parallel, likely numbered around /149 or /99 based on past sets, offering a vibrant, accessible chase.
Blue: Expected at /99, this adds a cool-toned option with moderate rarity.
Orange: Around /75, this fiery hue ups the scarcity ante.
Turquoise: At /25, a sharp drop in availability makes this a prized find with its distinctive aqua shimmer.
Gold: Limited to /10, the gold parallel exudes luxury and is a centerpiece for high-end collectors.
Green: Numbered to /5, this ultra-rare variant pushes the boundaries of exclusivity.
Black: A 1/1 masterpiece, the black parallel is the ultimate grail for any Origins enthusiast.

Additional hobby-only parallels include:

Tessellated: A new geometric pattern, possibly numbered (e.g., /49 from 2023-24), adding a fresh visual twist.
Neon Stripes: Another recent addition, likely /49, with a dynamic, streaked design.

H2-Exclusive Parallels

Black and White: Limited to /15, this stark, monochromatic finish offers a bold contrast.
Amethyst: At /8, this purple-hued rarity is a standout for H2 collectors.

The H2 parallels lean into affordability while retaining a chase element, though their higher pack count (six per box) dilutes their per-pack hit rate compared to hobby’s single-pack punch. The inclusion of numbered parallels in both formats ensures a broad appeal, from casual fans snagging a Red to serious hunters tracking down a Black 1/1.

Inserts: A Menagerie of Themes

Inserts inject personality into Origins, with one guaranteed per hobby box and five in H2 boxes (averaging one per pack). The 2024-25 set introduces new themes while reviving fan favorites, often with a quirky, animal-inspired twist. Here’s the lineup:

Hobby-Exclusive Inserts

Origin Stories: A debut insert spotlighting players’ early career moments, possibly with parallels as low as 1/1. The narrative focus could resonate with collectors who value storytelling alongside aesthetics.
Tiger Eyes (SSP): A returning super short print, featuring players framed between a tiger’s piercing gaze. Its scarcity makes it a coveted pull.
Saber-Toothed Tiger Eyes (SSP): A ferocious evolution of Tiger Eyes, this new SSP ups the ante with prehistoric flair.
White Tiger Eyes (SSP): Another fresh SSP variant, offering a sleek, albino twist on the tiger theme.

H2-Exclusive Inserts

Black Snake Eyes (SSP): A reptilian counterpart to Tiger Eyes, exclusive to H2 with a dark, slithering vibe.
White Snake Eyes (SSP): The lighter, rarer H2-exclusive snake variant, adding intrigue to the chase.

The SSP designation signals ultra-low print runs, making these inserts the white whales of Origins. Their animal motifs—tigers in hobby, snakes in H2—lend a playful yet prestigious edge, though some collectors might find the recurring critter theme a tad gimmicky. The debut of Origin Stories hints at a shift toward deeper content, potentially broadening the set’s appeal beyond its visual spectacle.

Autographs and Memorabilia: The Hits

Origins shines brightest with its hits, averaging two per hobby box (one autograph, one additional autograph or relic). These cards anchor the set’s premium status, blending on-card signatures with oversized swatches. Here’s the breakdown:

Autograph Sets

Rookie Autographs: Featuring 2024 draft standouts like Matas Buzelis and Donovan Clingan, with parallels including Red (/49), Pink (/25), Turquoise (/15), Gold (/10), Green (/5), Black (1/1), and the new Tessellated pattern.
Rookie Jersey Autographs: Pairing signatures with large jersey swatches, these include a new Pink parallel alongside the standard rarity ladder (e.g., Gold /10, Black 1/1).
Elevation Signatures: A mix of rookies and vets, with hobby-exclusive Red (/49) and Pink (/25), H2-exclusive Turquoise (/15), and Tessellated variants.
Universal Autographs: Veteran and legend signatures (e.g., Shaquille O’Neal, Stephen Curry), with the same parallel structure.
Rookie Auto Booklet Patch: Book-style cards with patches and autos, featuring 1/1 parallels.
Six Star Signatures: Multi-player booklets, also with 1/1 chases.

The Tessellated parallel adds a modern flourish to these autographed sets, while the variety—from single rookie autos to multi-signed booklets—ensures something for every collector. The on-card signatures (where applicable) elevate authenticity, though some may be stickers, a common Panini caveat.

Memorabilia

Jumbo Jerseys: Large swatches, likely one per hobby box, offering a tangible piece of NBA history.

The hit focus skews heavily toward rookies, aligning with Origins’ theme, but the inclusion of icons like Curry and O’Neal keeps it balanced. The oversized relics and booklet cards cater to premium collectors, though their scarcity might leave budget buyers wanting more.

Analysis and Collector Appeal

The 2024-25 Panini Origins Basketball set excels as a visually distinctive, hit-driven product with a clear rookie focus. Its abstract design and limited base output create a premium feel, while the extensive parallel rainbow—spanning Red /149 to Black 1/1—offers a tiered chase that rewards persistence. The inserts, particularly the SSP Tiger and Snake Eyes, inject excitement, though their niche animal themes might not resonate universally. New additions like Origin Stories and Tessellated parallels signal evolution, keeping the set fresh without abandoning its roots.

For high-end collectors, the autograph and memorabilia hits are the main draw, with booklet cards and 1/1 parallels offering trophy-worthy prizes. Casual collectors, especially via H2, get a taste of the Origins magic through affordable parallels and inserts, though the lack of hits in that format limits its ceiling. The set’s scarcity—two base cards per hobby box—bolsters its secondary market potential but could alienate set completists.

Compared to broader releases like Prizm or Hoops, Origins occupies a middle ground: not as mass-market as the former, nor as ultra-premium as Flawless. Its $200-$300 hobby box price point (pre-release estimates) reflects this balance, offering value for hit seekers without breaking the bank. However, the reliance on rookies—whose long-term value hinges on NBA success—introduces risk.

Final Thoughts

The 2024-25 Panini Origins Basketball set is a compelling blend of art, rarity, and rookie hype, poised to captivate collectors when it lands. Its strengths lie in its stunning design, diverse parallels, and robust hit selection, though the quirky SSP inserts and limited base cards might polarize some. Best suited for rookie enthusiasts and hit chasers, it’s a worthy addition to the Panini lineup—just don’t expect it to overhaul the hobby. Whether you’re ripping a hobby box for a Black 1/1 or snagging an H2 for a White Snake Eyes, Origins delivers a unique, memorable experience.

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