1970-71 Topps Basketball Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
Led by the Pete Maravich rookie card, 1970-71 Topps Basketball features a tallboy design. Each pack also includes one poster insert.
1970-1979 Basketball Cards
During the 1970s, basketball was still considered by many to be a second-tier professional sport. Understandably, basketball cards were not an extremely popular option for collectors. Other than a few sets combined from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, basketball cards first emerged on a consistent basis during the 1970s, which helped establish the collecting base. While it does not have the same star power as the 1980s, some important names in basketball history emerged during this period. The card designs of the 1970s were as vibrant and raw as the decade itself. Collectors should look to Topps for their basketball needs as it was the only main card company during the decade.
Among the many options, the top rookie cards available include Pete Maravich, Rick Berry, Bob Lanier, Julius Erving, Bill Walton, George Gervin, Robert Parish, Moses Malone, David Thompson, Bernard King, and Dave Cowens.
Featured 1970s Basketball Cards Guides
1970s Basketball Card Sets
Explore our database of 1970s Basketball Card Set Information. Each product profile features set checklists, product info, expert analysis, and deals on singles and boxes. Browse basketball cards from 1970-71, 1971-72, 1972-73, 1973-74, 1974-75, 1975-76, 1976-77, 1977-78, 1978-79, and 1979-80.
1971-72 Topps Basketball Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
Bob Lanier and Rick Barry rookie cards headline the vibrant 1971-72 Topps Basketball. The vintage NBA/ABA set switched back to standard sizing and greatly increased the checklist.
1972-73 Topps Basketball Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1972-73 Topps Basketball is one of the most popular vintage basketball sets in the hobby. The clear standout is Dr. J’s rookie card.
1973-74 Topps Basketball Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1973-74 Topps Basketball may not have the strongest design or rookie card checklist, but the vintage NBA/ABA set is still worth checking out.
1974-75 Topps Basketball Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
Featuring Bill Walton and George Gervin rookie cards, 1974-75 Topps Basketball stands out for another reason with NBA and ABA collectors.
1975-76 Topps Basketball Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
Led by the Moses Malone rookie card, 1975-76 Topps Basketball is a classic NBA/ABA set with a strong design.
1976-77 Topps Basketball Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
1976-77 Topps Basketball returns to the tallboy sizing to highlight a much smaller selection of NBA stars.
1977-78 Topps Basketball Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
Another ’70s release, 1977-78 Topps Basketball is led by rookie cards for Robert Parish, Darryl Dawkins and Adrian Dantley.
1978-79 Topps Basketball Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
Nearing the end of the decade, Jack Sikma, Dennis Johnson and Bernard King are the top rookies in 1978-79 Topps Basketball.
1979-80 Topps Basketball Cards
By Chris Stufflestreet
A weaker rookie crop greeted collectors at the start of the decade, but 1979-80 Topps Basketball still has fans in the hobby.
