1996-97 Topps Finest Basketball Cards and More
The 1996-97 Topps Finest Basketball set is widely regarded as one of the most legendary releases in trading card history. Its innovative design and iconic rookie class cemented its place in the hearts of collectors, setting a gold standard for basketball cards. With the return of Topps Finest Basketball, history comes full circle as a new generation of stars takes center stage. Among them is Victor Wembanyama, whose inclusion bridges the gap between the past’s legacy and the future’s excitement, making this a must-see for collectors old and new.
Topps Finest Basketball Cards to Collect
1996-97 Topps Finest Basketball Heirs Gold Refractor #280 Allen Iverson RC
Player info
• drafted first overall out of Georgetown
• 11-time all-star
• pro basketball Hall of Famer
Set info
• 291-card base set
• heirs was a subset in series 2
what they’Whataid
• “A.I., as a competitor, he drove me to be more obsessive about the game because I had to figure out how to solve that problem.” – pro basketball legend Kobe Bryant
1996-97 Topps Finest Apprentices #74 Kobe Bryant RC
Player info
• Pro basketball hall of Famer
• Five-time league champion
• 18-time all-star
Set info
• 291-card base set
• apprentices were a subset in series 1
what they’Whataid
• “Five-time champion, 18-time All-Star, the face of the Lakers for two decades. It was the most competitive flair I had ever seen and the best teammate I ever had.” – Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal
1996-97 Topps Finest Basketball Apprentices #22 Ray Allen RC
Player info
• set a league record for career 3-pointers (has since been broken)
• pro basketball Hall of Famer
• two-time league champion
set info
• 291-card base set
• apprentices were a subset in series 1
what they’ve said
• “The greatest shooter to play the game.” – Superstar Steph Curry on Ray Allen’s success
1996-97 Topps Fineset Basketball Heirs #217 Steve Nash RC
Player info
• pro basketball Hall of Famer
• eight-time all-star
• two-time league MVP
set info
• 291-card base set
• heirs was a subset in Series 2
what they’Whataid
• “I was impressed with Steve Nash growing up. When I was in high school I was a point guard and that’s who I modeled my game after. So last year when we played them for the first time it was weird because you’re playing against your idol. Although he’s a little aged, he can still show that he’s one of the best point guards in the league. He’s a real competitor. He’s a winner.” – Former NBA star Gordon Hayward
2023-24 Topps Finest Basketball Centurions #C-1 Victor Wembanyama RC
Player info
• led the league in blocks in 2023-24
• first player in league history to average at least 20.0 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks in fewer than 30 minutes per game
• the first player to average 20 points and 10 rebounds before their 21st birthday since Shaquille O’Neal
set info
• 300-card base set
• centurions is a 20-card insert
what they’Whataid
• “That type of talent and skill just puts a smile on your face if you play basketball. The evolution of the game has taken us this far. We got a 7’5″ dude that’s able to do everything on the court. It’s inspiring to a lot of people.” – phoenix superstar Kevin Durant
