2003-04 Bowman Basketball Cards
By Trey Treutel
Basically two sets in one, 2003-04 Bowman Basketball is a rather odd NBA release that offers a double dose of LeBron James rookie cards with both regular Bowman and Bowman Chrome options.
2000-2007 Basketball Cards
Basketball cards in the early part of the 2000s were not as strong as in previous years. A weakened rookie crop alongside the final retirement of Michael Jordan hindered the overall appeal of the sport. Collectors yearned for another player to take some of the pressure off of Kobe Bryant, now that MJ was done. Collectors soon got their wish. The NBA and basketball cards would never be the same after the 2003-04 season.
During the 2003-04 season, a historic rookie class led by LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony, captivated the sporting world. It was extremely fitting that one of the greatest high-end products also made its debut during the same season. Upper Deck’s Exquisite Collection immediately made waves in the hobby with its $500 price tag and one five-card pack per box format. As the 2003-04 class racked up individual achievements and started winning titles, prices for all products skyrocketed. Many now consider this to be one of the greatest rookie classes of all-time and Exquisite Collection is the definitive set for these rookies.
Like Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan before him, the 2000s belong to LeBron James. Many other popular rookie cards can be found during this period, including Yao Ming, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Chris Bosh, Dwight Howard, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Rajon Rondo, and Kevin Durant.
Featured 2000s Basketball Cards Guides
2000s Basketball Card Sets
Explore our database of 2000s Basketball Card Set Information. Each product profile features set checklists, product info, expert analysis, and deals on singles and boxes. Browse basketball cards from 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04, 2004-05, 2005-06, 2006-07, and 2007-08.
2003-04 Topps Chrome Basketball Cards
By Trey Treutel
Featuring one of the most popular rookie cards for LeBron James, 2003-04 Topps Chrome Basketball and the many Refractor parallels offer collectors plenty of choices. The set also includes rookie cards for Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh.
2003-04 Topps Finest Basketball Cards
By Trey Treutel
2003-04 Topps Finest Basketball features a distinct design and key rookie cards for LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony. A main component of any Finest release, several Refractor parallels are also available.
2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Basketball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
One of the greatest sets of all-time, 2003-04 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Basketball redefined the high-end sports card market. The set includes the top rookie cards of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony.
2004-05 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Basketball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
2004-05 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Basketball may not be as strong as the legendary debut from a year earlier, but it’s no sophomore slump either. Dwight Howard leads the list of rookie cards.
2005-06 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Basketball Cards
By Ryan Cracknell
Although it has one of the weakest rookie crops in the brand’s history, 2005-06 Upper Deck Exquisite Collection Basketball still packs a punch with its high-end lineup of autograph and memorabilia cards.
