Collect the Greatest Topps Basketball RCs
There have been many eras of Topps Basketball, beginning with the first set in 1957-58. But across them all, spectacular rookie cards have remained a steady constant.
With decades to draw from, there have been plenty of iconic and historically significant Topps Basketball rookie cards. In honor of the return of the Topps NBA license and the release of 2025-26 Topps Basketball, here are 25 of the very best RCs from through the end of its last run in 2009-10.
Topps basketball rookie cards celebrate the sport’s biggest names and eras. Collectors prize them for their design, nostalgia, and historical significance. From early prints to chrome innovations, they capture the game’s evolution and remain among the most chased collectibles in basketball card history.
The 25 Best Topps Basketball Rookie Cards
25. 2008-09 Topps Basketball #199 Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is a bit of an enigma. Going by the numbers, he’s one of the greatest point generators the NBA has ever seen. The point guard is a two-time scoring champion and three-time assists leader. Westbrook set the mark for triple-doubles in a season with 42 in 2016-17. He also holds the career mark. Capping his personal accolades, Westbrook was the 2017 NBA MVP and was named to the league’s 75th Anniversary Team in 2021.
In Hobby circles, Westbrook is a star, but not like some might expect. Perhaps it’s the lack of an NBA Championship. Maybe it’s the journeyman status he’s taken on, jumping from team to team since leaving the Thunder in 2019.
When it comes to modern superstars, this might be one of the more overlooked Topps Basketball rookie cards. Perhaps, as time passes and nostalgia towards Westbrook kicks in, some will recognize this. In the meantime, his 2008-09 Topps card remains a largely affordable target.
24. 2003-04 Topps Basketball #223 Carmelo Anthony
Carmelo Anthony ensured that LeBron James didn’t get all of the rookie spotlight in 2003-04. The Rookie of the Year runner-up not only put up a great first season, but a Hall of Fame career that people seem to be coming around to once again.
Over the course of a 19-year career, Anthony was a 10-time All-Star. One of basketball’s greatest scorers, he currently sits 10th all-time in career points. The twilight of Anthony’s career saw him switch teams several times, but the forward was well known for his stint with the Denver Nuggets that kicked off his career. He got an even bigger spotlight when he was traded to the New York Knicks in 2011.
Anthony’s Topps rookie card is part of the classic 2003-04 — one of the deepest ever when it comes to notable freshmen.
23. 1998-99 Topps Basketball #154 Dirk Nowitzki
Dirk Nowitzki is one of those players everyone knew was good, but for the majority of his career, he was overlooked him for flashier stars. The German forward was the NBA MVP in 2007. Four years later, he led the Mavericks to their first — and only — NBA Championship.
It was then that collectors finally started to really look at Nowitzki’s cards, including his 1998-99 Topps rookie. Included in Series 2 packs, he’s part of a solid crop of first-year players on a checklist that also features Vince Carter and Paul Pierce.
Like Nowitzki, the card doesn’t bring a lot of flash. In fact, the rebounding photo is awkward and a little on the goofy side. But, in true Dirk fashion, it gets the job done.
22. 1979-80 Topps Basketball #31 Alex English
It might come as a surprise, but Alex English was the NBA’s top scorer in the 1980s. Largely overlooked today, the small forward was one of the decade’s standout players, primarily with the Denver Nuggets.
English averaged 21.5 points per game over a 15-year career. An eight-time All-Star, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997.
English’s rookie card can be found in the largely forgotten 1979-80 Topps set. Given its age and English’s immense talent, this might be the most overlooked Topps Basketball rookie card on this list.
21. 2001-02 Topps Basketball #247 Tony Parker
A key part of San Antonio’s four NBA Championships between 2003 and 2014, Tony Parker is also one of the most decorated players on basketball’s international stage. The Hall of Famer played point for Tim Duncan, Manu Gnóbili, and David Robinson, earning six All-Star selections in the process. Parker was a tremendous scorer, and he could also dish, ranking in the top 25 all-time for assists.
2001-02 Topps Basketball has 35 rookies on its checklist. They’re modest short prints at 1:5 packs, although this also adds some value. Parker’s card isn’t scarce, but it’s noticeably tougher to find than a lot of other Topps Basketball rookie cards.
If the standard version isn’t enough of a challenge, Parker does have an MVP Promotion parallel that’s limited to 100 copies. The idea behind these was that if a player was named the Player of the Week over the course of the season, the MVP cards could be mailed in for an exclusive set.
20. 1997-98 Topps Basketball #115 Tim Duncan
Parker’s running mate on the Spurs, Tim Duncan is one of those players who did it all on the court and is also highly regarded as one of the great leaders of his generation. The result was a San Antonio dynasty consisting of four titles in just over a decade.
Duncan’s career began at a time when basketball cards were evolving. Low-numbered parallels and ridiculously rare inserts were taking over. So while his mainline Topps Basketball rookie card doesn’t come close to the value of other offerings like his Metal Universe Precious Metal Gems or Flair Showcase Legacy Masterpieces cards, it is a reminder of simplicity and tradition.
19. 1996-97 Topps Basketball #171 Allen Iverson
As people questioned who might lead basketball’s next generation of superstars into the new millennium, many eyes went to The Answer. Allen Iverson was electric on the court. His influence off of it, connecting the game with a broader culture, might have been even bigger.
Iverson was the kind of player not everybody loved, but he was respected. The 2001 NBA MVP, he was the league’s leading scorer four times and an All-Star for 11 consecutive seasons.
He’s one of the headliners in a legendary draft class and has many memorable rookies. His Topps Basketball rookie card is found in Series 2 packs and has a foil NBA at 50 parallel.
18. 2003-04 Topps Basketball #225 Dwyane Wade
The Miami Heat had a lot of big names suit up for them during their three championship seasons between 2006 and 2013, but Dwyane Wade was the constant. First he was Crocket to Shaquille O’Neal’s Tubbs, making the Heat the coolest thing in the city since Miami Vice. A few years later, Wade was the foundation of the Heat’s Big Three when he was joined by LeBron James and Chris Bosh.
Wade is one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history. The 2009 scoring champ, he was an All-Star 13 times and named to the All-NBA First Team twice.
Wade is one of the other major rookie cards in 2003-04 Topps Basketball. The pack-inserted version uses a posed photo of him wearing a suit and holding a basketball. There’s also a 2003-04 Topps Collection card of Wade dribbling that uses the same layout. It was released as a part of a factory set.
17. 2007-08 Topps Basketball #112 Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant will go down as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history. He’s a top-five talent from his generation, which is impressive considering his cohort includes LeBron James and Stephen Curry. Most would probably put Durantula just behind those two.
It’s a little odd today seeing him sport a Seattle SuperSonics uniform on his 2007-08 Topps Basketball rookie card. But that’s where he got his start as the second overall pick.
In addition to a handful of standard parallels, Durant has a 1957-58 Topps Variation that uses both the throwback design and a different photo. Part of a 50-card set that fell one per pack, it’s not rare, but it makes for something a little different to chase. The variation has several parallels of its own as well.
16. 1974-75 Topps Basketball George Gervin #196
An early Spurs legend, George Gervin was a four-time NBA scoring champion during the late 1970s and early ‘80s. Although he never won an NBA title or league MVP, Gervin dominated in just about every other way. A 12-time All-Star across both the ABA and NBA, he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Gervin’s rookie card is one of the headliners on the 1974-75 Topps Basketball checklist. He appears twice on the more affordable Spurs Team Leaders card (#227) with Swen Nater and James Silas.
15. 2009-10 Topps Basketball #319 James Harden
James Harden’s rookie card is one of the top cards in the now classic 2009-10 Topps Basketball set. It came at the end of the Topps’ NBA run that restarted in 1992-93. Like other rookies in the set, this card isn’t the most glamorous, but it’s one of Harden’s more popular early issues.
The third pick in the 2009 draft, Harden started off alongside Kevin Durant in Oklahoma City, where he was named the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year in 2012. That was just a hint at what was to come.
Shortly after a trade to Houston in October 2012, Harden emerged as one of the best players in basketball. The MVP of the 2018 season, Harden has led the league in scoring and assists on multiple occasions.
14. 1975-76 Topps Basketball #254 Moses Malone
Moses Malone doesn’t get a ton of love among collectors today, which is a shame, as he’s incredibly underrated. A three-time MVP, Malone was also a 13-time All-Star between both the ABA and NBA. He was also the MVP of the 1983 NBA Finals when the 76ers swept the Lakers.
Malone’s rookie card is part of 1975-76 Topps Basketball. It’s a spectacular action shot taken during his time with the ABA’s Utah Stars.
The center has two other cards in the set. He appears with Ron Boone and Al Smith on the Stars’ Team Leaders card (#286). There’s also Field Goal Percentage Leaders card with Bobby Jones and Artis Gilmore (#222).
13. 1974-75 Topps Basketball #39 Bill Walton
Bill Walton is one of the biggest what-ifs in all of sports. But even with injuries plaguing his career, the 6’ 11” center still ranks as not only one of the game’s greats, but also one of its greatest characters.
After winning back-to-back NCAA Championships with UCLA, Walton was taken first overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 1974. He became an immediate star, leading Portland to the 1977 NBA Championship and winning league MVP in 1978. After that, foot injuries slowed him down and caused Walton to miss seasons at a time. There were a couple of comebacks along the way, including his 1985-86 season with Boston, where he earned both Sixth Man of the Year honors and a second championship ring.
Walton’s 1974-75 Topps rookie card is a classic for a couple of reasons. For starters, it’s Walton’s first card. But it’s hard to ignore his style as well, which just seems perfect given the lovable, larger-than-life demeanor that kept him in the public eye long after his playing career gave way to broadcasting.
12. 1992-93 Topps Basketball #362 Shaquille O’Neal
Is this one of the most valuable Topps Basketball rookie cards? Definitely not. But the 1992-93 Topps Shaquille O’Neal is one of the big man’s most recognizable rookies. It also has a couple of other things going for it.
The 1992-93 season marked Topps’ return to basketball after more than a decade away. The main set also has some of the sport’s first parallels with Topps Gold. They’re not nearly as intricate or colorful as what’s included in modern rainbows, but the card does add a chase layer to Shaq’s regular rookie.
11. 1996-97 Topps Basketball #138 Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant’s achievements make the case for him being one of basketball’s all-time greats. They include five NBA Championships, an MVP award, 11 All-NBA First Team selections, 18 All-Star appearances, and nine All-Defensive First Team nods.
A true competitor, Kobe strove to be the best and pushed those around them to do the same. His 1996-97 Topps Basketball rookie card headlines a strong Series 2 checklist that features several Hall of Famers.
It was also the foundation for one of the most influential basketball cards ever, Bryant’s 1996-97 Topps Chrome rookie card.
10. 1969-70 Topps Basketball #20 John Havlicek
A key piece of the Boston Celtics dynasty of the 1960s and ‘70s, John Havlicek was a member of eight NBA championship teams. That’s good for a tie for third all-time.
A 13-time All-Star, the Ohio State alum was a defensive standout at The Garden. Known for his stamina, Havlicek also came through in the clutch on several occasions.
One of the standouts in the classic “Tall Boy” 1969-70 Topps Basketball set, Havlicek’s rookie ranks as one of the brand’s best. He also appears in the one-per-pack 1969-70 Topps Rulers insert set, one of the most unique basketball releases of all-time.
9. 1971-72 Topps Basketball #170 Rick Barry
Rick Barry could do a lot of things on the court, but more than anything, he could score. He’s the only player ever to lead the NCAA, ABA, and NBA in points per game for a season. That carried over into the playoffs as well, when things mattered most.
The accolades include championships in both leagues, a combined 12 All-Star selections, Hall of Fame induction in 1987, and a spot on the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.
Barry’s 1971-72 Topps rookie card is a vintage classic with a nice balance of color and flair. He also appears on a Scoring Average Leaders card alongside Dan Issle and John Brisker (#147) and a black-bordered Trios Sticker insert with Larry Jones and Julius Keye.
8. 2009-10 Topps Basketball #321 Stephen Curry
The 2009-10 Topps Basketball Stephen Curry rookie card marks both a beginning and an end. It’s one of the earliest cards of a player who genuinely helped change how basketball is played, opening up the court with his deadly three-point shooting. It’s an ending because it was one of the final sets in Topps’ run with the NBA license at the time.
It came so late that Curry isn’t even pictured in a Golden State uniform. Gold (/2009), Black (/50) and four one-of-one Printing Plates are the only standard parallels.
Chrome cards were also included in Topps Basketball packs in 2009-10. The base version for this card has 999 copies, with additional Refractors (/500), Gold Refractors (/50), SuperFractor (1/1), and four more plates. These all represent some of the most important modern basketball cards.
7. 2003-04 Topps Basketball #221 LeBron James
What more can really be said about LeBron James. He’s the NBA’s all-time leading scorer. He’s got four NBA Championships and four MVP trophies. There are 21 All-Star appearances and 13 All-NBA First Team honors. A force at both ends of the court, there’s not a glaring weakness in his game.
James has lived up to every bit of the immense hype he carried when he entered the league in 2003-04. His 2003-04 Topps rookie card is one of the most sought after basketball cards released this century. Basketball cards were so hot that season that this was one of the few options the masses had to land a LeBron rookie. Factor in the history of the brand, and it should be no surprise that its appeal lives on.
The version found in packs has James wearing a suit and holding a Cavs jersey. There’s also an action photo version where he’s holding a basketball. Although it has a similar design and card number, this one came in the separate 2003-04 Topps Collection factory set.
6. 1972-73 Topps Basketball #195 Julius Erving
If social media and bit-sized clips existed in the 1970s, Julius Erving would probably be regarded as an even bigger star. And he’s already considered to be a legend. First in the ABA then in the NBA, Dr. J was a scoring machine, and his dunks and athleticism helped shape the game.
The 1972-73 Topps Basketball Julius Erving rookie card is a work of Hobby art that uses one of the decade’s top designs. It’s also virtually impossible to find in top condition. PSA has graded the card more than 6,500 times. Just one was awarded a Gem Mint 10 assessment. By comparison, the 1952 Topps Baseball Mickey Mantle has three PSA 10s on only about a third as many copies graded.
For those looking for more affordable rookie options, Erving also has an All-Star (#255) and League Leaders card with Artis Gilmore and Mel Daniels (#263) on the 1972-73 Topps Basketball checklist.
5. 1957-58 Topps Basketball #17 Bob Cousy
As far as basketball legends go, Bob Cousy is a bit of a deep cut today. He was great, and he’s still respected, but you don’t hear a lot about him. He might not be on a lot of YouTube playlists, but that shouldn’t take away from his accomplishments.
When it comes to hardware, Cousy’s six championships with the Celtics should be at the top of the list. The team’s point guard, he’s credited as helping transform the sport through his passing and ballhandling skills.
While his star power might not be as bright as many other legends, Cousy’s rookie card is regarded as one of the most desirable when it comes to the hoops Hobby. Part of 1957-58 Topps Basketball, the company’s first mainstream release for the sport, it’s a beautiful time capsule of design, color and photography.
PSA has graded this card more than 1,300 times with zero Gem Mint 10s in their population report and only three Mint 9 copies without qualifiers.
4. 1970-71 Topps Basketball #123 Pete Maravich
Pete Maravich didn’t have the longest NBA career. But that didn’t stop him from earning his way onto the list of basketball greats. “Pistol Pete” came into the league as the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer, averaging more than 44 points per game at Louisiana State.
A five-time All-Star in 10 NBA seasons, Maravich is remembered to this day for having one of the sport’s top offensive minds. His 1970-71 Topps Basketball rookie card enjoys iconic status as well.
Hailing from the card maker’s second consecutive “Tall Boy” release, it’s oversized by today’s standards. The card’s simplicity is part of its lasting appeal, with Maravich shown kneeling in a nondescript uniform, looking away from the camera.
This is also an incredibly tough card to find in top grade. As of October 2025, PSA had assessed the card more than 4,700 times, with just two getting a Gem Mint 10 nod. Only 87 copies had Mint 9 grades without qualifiers.
3. 1969-70 Topps Basketball #25 Lew Alcindor
One of the most recognizable vintage basketball cards ever produced, this Tall Boy showcases the man who would change his name to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar shortly afterward.
He’s one of the most decorated players the sport has ever seen, including six league MVPs, 19 All-Star nods, 10 All-NBA First Team honors, and five appearance on the NBA All-Defensive First Team. Then there’s the winning. Abdul-Jabbar was a part of three straight NCAA Championship teams while at UCLA. He added six NBA Championships to that total after turning pro.
His 1969-70 Topps rookie card is a hoops classic. For starters, there’s the size. Measuring 2-1/2″ by 4-11/16″, it’s tall — just like the 7’-2” superstar depicted on it. The icons around the outside and splashes of color not only make the image pop, but act as a time capsule for the period.
2. 1957-58 Topps Basketball #77 Bill Russell
It’s hard to imagine somebody topping Bill Russell’s record 11 NBA Championships. Tom Brady is football’s equivalent in this regard, and he only has seven Super Bowls. Although Russell’s legacy is definitely tied to winning, he was a lot more than that.
A five-time MVP and 12-time All-Star, Russell was a standout at both ends of the court. Simply put, he’s among the best ever, a status cemented with his place on the NBA’s 25th, 35th, 50th, and 75th Anniversary Teams.
His rookie card is found in 1957-58 Topps Basketball, the company’s only major release for the sport between 1948 and 1968. As with all cards in the set, top-condition specimens are extremely scarce. PSA has graded the cards over 1,000 times. Of those, just three have reached a Mint 9, with no Gem Mint 10s.
Like the player depicted on the front, this is an all-timer when it comes to Topps Basketball rookie cards.
1. 1980-81 Topps Basketball Larry Bird / Magic Johnson / Julius Erving
Most of the time, multi-player rookie cards don’t pan out on multiple fronts, particularly when would-be Hall of Famers are involved. There are exceptions, but you can probably count them on one hand across all the major sports. 1980-81 Topps Basketball has the biggest exception of them all. Not only does one card have two Hall-of-Fame rookies, but they’re a pair of all-time legends connected by both cardboard and a historic rivalry.
The connection between Larry Bird and Magic Johnson goes back to college when the two played against each other in the 1979 NCAA Finals. The Johnson-led Michigan State Spartans defeated Bird and Indiana State in one of the most legendary and college basketball games ever played.
Over the next decade, both were part of dominant teams, with either the Lakers, Celtics, or both appearing in every NBA Finals in the 1980s. Bird and Johnson faced off against each other in the Finals three times during this period. It’s safe to say that this rivalry made both Hall of Famers better. They certainly helped each other’s legacy.
Although Johnson and Bird would both become legends, basketball cards were struggling in the early parts of their careers. For the 1980-81 set, Topps released the set in three-card panels. Each panel is the traditional 2-1/2″ by 3-1/2″ making for mini individual cards. Players were connected by perforated edges, with the idea being that collectors would separate them.
One panel teams Johnson and Bird together, flanking another all-time great, Julius Erving. The pairing may have been obvious at the time given the duo’s shared college history, but it was still genius. Both players have other mini cards in the set and panel combinations. However, it’s the one that pairs them together that gets the attention.
Today, the 1980-81 Topps Larry Bird/Magic Johnson is one of the most iconic sports cards ever produced.
Topps Basketball RCs FAQs
- What makes Topps Basketball rookie cards so collectible?
- Their mix of design, player significance, and historical context gives them lasting appeal. Each Topps rookie card marks a debut moment that fans remember and collectors celebrate.
- Are vintage Topps Basketball rookie cards still valuable?
- Yes. Early Topps basketball issues often appreciate in value due to rarity, player legacy, and nostalgic demand among longtime collectors.
- How do modern Topps Basketball rookie cards compare to classics?
- Modern releases feature premium finishes, parallels, and autographs while preserving the storytelling and visual style that made vintage Topps iconic.
- What’s the best way to start collecting Topps Basketball rookie cards?
- Begin with a theme—by decade, player, or design style. Focus on condition, authenticity, and the stories behind each card.
- Why do collectors rank Top 25 lists?
- These lists showcase diversity across eras and remind collectors how Topps helped define basketball’s visual history through its rookie cards.
Key Facts
- Topps rookie cards blend nostalgia, investment, and artistry.
- Vintage and modern sets both drive collector engagement.
- Design evolution mirrors basketball’s growth across decades.
- “Top 25” lists highlight continuity between eras.
- Collectors value both rarity and emotional connection.
More Topps Basketball
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