We’ve been discussing the introduction of “super premium” sets in ’94-95, with the introduction of Flair and SP. We’re returning to Finest in this post, a set where Topps is seen working on “super premium” quality basketball cards even earlier, in ’93-94. Topps was introducing their Chromium technology and the cards had a unique, metallic shine. And Topps was really working hard at innovating. How often do you see four patent numbers and three registered trademarks on the fine print of ’90’s cards? The cards were quite popular and this energy carried into the 1995-96 Finest set where this card is from. This is the #112 Antonio McDyess rookie card from the popular 140-card Series I of 1995-96 Finest.
Within this series is a 29-card subset of rookies with an orange border and “NBA 1st Round Draft Pick” on the front. In fact, all of the rookies in this Finest set are in Series I, except Sasha Danilovic. Kevin Garnett is the key card in the set. Another interesting card from these rookies is the Joe Smith, card #111. That card got caught up in an error later in the set. The #140 checklist was accidentally labeled card #111 as well! It’s an interesting post if you didn’t see it yet.
For me, this #112 McDyess shows how some rookies don’t maintain value. This was an exciting card when I found it. It helped me complete the Series I rookies. Of course, the Kevin Garnett was the most valuable, but this Antonio McDyess was in demand as well. Today, not so much. But part of the reason I started this site was to spend time with all of my cards. So many are ignored while everyone chases PSA 10’s of the few highlights and rare inserts. I was excited when I found this card and I want to take you back to the energy of the 1995 NCAA tournament mentioned on the reverse of this card to help you understand why. Here is a link to one of the games where he plays center against Bryant Reeves, and if you only watch even the first two minutes, you’ll hear a small discussion of McDyess and his previous 39-point game. And you know the announcers are watching him closely and you can feel the excitement behind him. At two minutes in, after McDyess wins the tip-off, they say, “Well, if that was any indication, McDyess was about eighteen inches above Reeves on that tap.”
To me, it’s fun to relive some of these forgotten moments. Just a reminder that a lot of the overlooked cards in our collections are still good for a brief trip to the past.
You must be logged in to post a comment.